Today we are visiting a mature longleaf pine forest in search of Red-cockaded woodpeckers. They are small ladder-backed woodpeckers with a white cheek patch slightly larger than a downy woodpecker. Unlike other woodpeckers who nest in dead trees, red-cockaded woodpeckers create nest cavities in living trees, even angling their nest upward to keep out rain. Each tree bleeds sap around the excavated hole, and the sticky resin deters predators like rat snakes, which can climb trees. The woodpeckers forage for insects and eggs by picking through pine bark, sometimes foraging with songbirds like bluebirds and brown headed nuthatches. They live in family groups and multiple generations help excavate cavities and help raise young. Their old nest cavities are used by many other species like great crested flycatchers and tufted titmice. We’re thrilled to get a glimpse of this keystone species in this dwindling habitat of longleaf pine savannah!

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