Most birds have ceased singing by this time in the summer. However, one sound heard frequently around the village at the moment is the ringing ‘yaffle’ call of the green woodpecker. We’ve had regular visits from both young and adult birds feeding on ants in our garden. The young birds can be identified by the streaks all over their plumage which is lacking in adult birds.

Great spotted woodpeckers are also present but not quite so obvious. Their call is a single sharp ‘kick’ sound. Young birds can be identified by an all red crown. This is completely absent in adult females but male adults have a small red neck patch below their black crown.

RP