Thread by @TheStephenRalph

This year has been totally different for our Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Last year they had 4 young who were all eating off the ground. This year they've had 2 young who have grown up fast. These clips are from yesterday when one young Woodpecker did eat off the ground. 1/n

This thread is really about how this baby Woodpecker interacts with other birds and especially a pigeon. It sees off other birds to claim the food for itself and it sees off the pigeon. But, in clip 5, the pigeon stands ground and shocks the Woodpecker. 2/n

So, this is the pecking order in action. Once the pigeon asserts itself, the Woodpecker returns but accepts it being there.

3/n

4/n

5/n

6/n

But in the end, something disturbs them both and they fly away. Sometimes I wish I'd become an expert in animal/avian behaviour because I find it fascinating watch how badgers, birds and even our cats interact. 🧐 #LoveWildlife #LoveNature #Woodpeckers

7/n