Tag Archive for 'Hairy Woodpecker'

A great cacophony of sound filled the forest. Robins and crows were going mad with alarm and cries of distress. Following the chorus of sound along the North Loop Trail of Discovery Park, I watched in amazement as a Barred Owl flew into a maple, feet from the trail, with a robin grasped in its talons. Convinced that the owl would only be hunting during the day to feed its young I remained stationary, waiting and watching. Surely it would take the prey to its nest. I watched in amazement as it slowly plucked and fed upon this huge meal. Bit by bit it disappeared, till the last foot slid out of sight. Apparently today the meal was meant for the adult only. But still I waited until the owl cleaned its beak against a branch rousted its feathers and settled in for a mid-morning nap.

Meanwhile my attention was being pulled toward tiny begging sounds issuing from the forest on the south side of the trail. Who is so hungry? Following the cries, looking for movement I discovered a nest filled with Hairy Woodpecker young. The adults were working frantically, carrying insects back to the cavity in a snag to stuff the greedy young with essential protein.

All in all a fantastic moment of “wild” in Discovery Park – but the most remarkable thing about the whole experience was watching wave after wave of park visitors streaming by without any inkling of the life and death drama that surrounded them. Families taking a stroll, a hiking group socializing, joggers exercising, and dog walkers enjoying their canine company. All oblivious to the begging of young woodpeckers, waves of Wilson’s Warblers filling the canopy, the Barred Owl’s brunch, the fringecup blooming trailside and the wonder of the natural world surrounding them. It is much like choosing a fine dining establishment to enjoy the ambiance, drink in the fine aroma then not partaking of the excellent cuisine.

Birders as a general rule are very aware people, alert to the sounds and sights around them. Birdwatching lends itself to a heightened sense of awareness. Without this connection to the natural world, we would miss the next life bird, an interesting behavior or the simple beauty of a Western Tanager returning from its winter hiatus. As city dwellers and creatures of a modern lifestyle, our senses have become dulled in order to survive the continual onslaught of sights, sounds and smells of our harried lives. In order to get back in touch with our senses and truly experience the natural world a focused moment will help.

Choose a quiet place in a neighborhood park. Sit and relax on a bench and take a moment just to look. How many different birds will you see and hear? Suddenly realize how many shades of greens are in a forest habitat. Lean down squeeze a Bleeding Heart leaf, then smell the light scent of powdered donuts. Run your hand gently over the bark of a cedar, then contrast its texture with the gnarled rough thick bark of the Douglas fir. Expand your quest to reestablish a natural relationship by choosing a different habitat. The beach at low tide is filled with ample opportunities. Crouch quietly next to a tide pool and as if by magic a new world will appear. The tiny legs of the barnacles are kicking away bringing food into the protective shell. Tidepool sculpins completely camouflaged when still, will begin to swim and reveal their locations. Shells will suddenly become hermit crabs skittering among the rocks. Gently touch an anemone and marvel at their soft fragility. Pet a sea star and discover their rough outer layer.

By awakening your senses through focused effort you will soon discover an open door through which many discoveries will come to you naturally. Then and only then will you be as fortunate as a recent group of birding by ear class participants – together we were alerted to the presence of an Anna’s Hummingbird by her quiet ticking sounds and rapid movements.

Pausing our walk, we watched as she gathered a spider web. A moment later she took the silk back to her tiny camouflaged nest barely five feet over the trail. This natural magic and more awaits you once the senses have been awakened.