236 THE GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 



without being detected, for it keeps habitually among 

 the upper branches and tree tops. All the three 

 British species of woodpecker are highly desirable, 

 and their presence with us should be encouraged in 

 all possible ways. The damage which they are 

 accused of doing to growing timber is infinitesimal, 

 and they are death to pine beetles and other injurious 

 creatures. 



