We now have information on 12 nests found by Woodpecker Network volunteers, more than twice the number monitored last year, which is fantastic. Thanks to all of you who have searched for nests and provided information. There is still time to find more nests - keep looking and listening.
The nests are in Cheshire, Dartmoor, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Wyre Forest, two in Sussex and three in the New Forest. The young have successfully fledged from three nests (Dartmoor, Sussex-2 and New Forest-2). Adults are feeding chicks in the other nests, but possibly still incubating in Cheshire.
Dartmoor male at nest with insect food, photo John Walters 20 MayOn the whole the nests seem very successful this year, although at one nest the heavy rain last week has adversely affected the number of chicks. But there are several reports of males seemingly unable to find females, for example in Lincoln and Watford. We have had other reports from sites with a pair of birds but the nest has not been found (yet).
Here are some stills taken with the nest inspection camera and photos of adults at the nests,
Sussex-2 nest with 3 young on 26 May17, photo Ken & Linda Smith
Kent nest with 3 young on 25 May, photo Ken & Linda Smithnext
