By Steve Weston
NRRI’s Avian Ecology Lab is looking for birders to assist in locating nesting cavities of Pileated Woodpeckers across the state. The Pileated Woodpecker is an iconic bird, and finding its nesting sites will contribute significantly to understanding its behavior, conservation efforts, and habitat preferences.
Where to Look: Pileated Woodpeckers typically nest in large trees that are either dead or contain significant decay. Nest cavities are large circular or semicircular holes, unlike the rectangular holes made by foraging Pileated Woodpeckers.
How to Help: Volunteers can report sightings of active Pileated Woodpecker nests using this Google form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXFV1XCxEp_-K2asz8OWV0Q3yCxzMJ3Ir9T3Xyo5hvfrwKDQ/viewform
Recording Details: When documenting active nests, please take clear notes on the location of the cavity. Also, if possible take photographs of the cavity and surrounding habitat (from a respectful distance). Record the location using a pin on your cell phone map or GPS coordinates if possible. Finally, monitoring the nest (at a distance) and providing information on nest success would be extremely beneficial to our project. For example, documenting behavior such as feeding or nest predation, or noting when cavities are no longer “active”.
Ethical Considerations: Respect the birds’ space and do not disturb them during nesting. Nesting sites should be observed from afar to prevent any stress to the birds or their young.
Contact: Kara G. Snow, MSc., Avian Ecology Lab, Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), University of Minnesota Duluth, snowx043@d.umn.edu