Observations on Woodpeckers 



359 



game. Generally, the white rump-patch is displayed in time to save Mr. 

 Flicker. In the fall the Flicker is perhaps the most numerous of any of the 

 Woodpeckers in the Upper Peninsula, being found on nearly every road and 

 trail, feeding upon ants and bugs and worms that are found upon the ground. 

 In the spring and summer the Flicker keeps more to the woods and is not so 

 noticeable. It is probable that, in the fall flocks, there are many birds which 

 nest farther north. Few Flickers remain here throughout the long winter. 



On the large forest and game preserve of Grand Island, the Yellow-bellied 

 Sapsucker is the predominating member of the family, and its cat-like call can 

 be heard at almost any time in the spring and summer. There are evidences 

 of its destructive work everywhere on the island, and many young trees have 

 been girdled by this sole harmful member of the Woodpecker family. It seems 

 to prefer the young hemlock, basswood, mountain ash, paper birch and shad. 

 The more valuable timber, such as the sugar maple and yellow birch, is not 

 often touched. Nevertheless, steps should be taken to reduce the numbers of 

 this bird on the island, for its work is plainly detrimental. On the mainland 

 the Sapsucker does not seem to be very common. 



A few years ago the Red-headed Woodpecker was almost unknown in the 

 Upper Peninsula, but every year sees an increase in its numbers. Especially 

 is this true on the cut-over lands and those lands which have been recently 

 opened to agriculture. The bird is not found in the deep forests. 



Throughout the year, the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers give us their 

 steadiest company and, by their numbers, perform the most efficient service 

 of this very valuable family of birds. 



