Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (once called the Barred Woodpecker) have not been reported in the park this year . Until quite recently this was a notable species for the area and although never an easy bird to record, we seem to have joined the general national decline of this species, which is becoming increasingly scarce in the UK.

According to today’s BBC R4 Nature progamme the decline has been 90% since a peak in 1980 based on Dutch Elm disease. The species is now on the UK rare birds list. The reason for this decline is not fully understood but climate change, their (relatively) late breeding season and single bird (male) feeding strategy are clearly factors. By comparison, Greater Spotted have increased by 250% in a similar period. That’s nature for you!