A visitor to our garden

I would like to share a picture of a visitor to our garden on Friday 12th.

Here she is!

 

The ‘lady’ in question is a female ‘great spotted woodpecker’. I have been told that this is the furthest west in Northern Ireland one has been spotted.

Apparently, Ireland had an introduction of woodpeckers after the birds multiplied in Wales to a degree that fresh territory was needed and thus the short  flight across from Wales to southern Ireland took place.

Ornithologists inform us that such a migration took place not that long ago after these beautiful birds became extinct here in the 17th and 18th century.

We are looking forward to her returning in the near future (she was there this morning at 8.20am) and perhaps bringing some fledglings along with her.

Sincerely,

Ivan Foster