Meet Our Feathered Visitor ~ The Pileated Woodpecker

As mentioned in a previous post, we are fortunate to have a large feathered friend that visits our property.  This week while working in their classroom, the half day children heard a faint drumming sound that was reminiscent of construction machinery.  They looked out the window to see the source of the sound - our friend the woodpecker!  They were able to watch the woodpecker work from the upstairs windows.

The woodpecker has inspired some of the oldest children to do a project.  We found some birding books in our library and the children did some research.  Our woodpecker is called a pileated (pill-ee-ate-ed) woodpecker and is the largest woodpecker in Canada.  Here are some pages from the collaborative project.

Today at recess, we all had a treat!  Our pileated woodpecker was back!  The children watched him peck away at the hole.  His whole head can now fit into the hole.

When he flew away, the children were able to get close to the hole.  Here is a picture of one child putting her hand right into the hole.  She wants to be a 'vegenarian', her words, when she grows up because she really likes animals. 

Next week we will measure the hole and check the shape to determine if it is for eating, nesting or protection.