‘ WOODPECKERS. 
18 
passed, when they hop to tlie top of the stake and 
rattle upon it with their hill, as if to congratulate 
themselves on the success of their cunning. Should 
you approach within arm’s length, which may fre- 
quently be done, the AYoodpecker flies to the first 
stake or the second from you, bends his head to peep, 
and rattles again, as if to provoke you to continue 
wliat seems to him excellent sport. He alights on 
the roof of the house, hops along it, beats the shingles, 
utters a cry, and dives into your garden to pick the 
finest strawberries he can discover.” They commit as 
great depredations in gardens as any bird can do : 
fruit of every sort they devour with the greatest 
avidity ; apples, cherries, pears, and strawberries, not 
to enumerate others, they seize and carry off to their 
retreats ; they assemble in flocks to lay gardens under 
contribution, so that the bulk of their produce is soon 
cleared away. AA^hile the Indian corn is yet unripe 
and filled Avith its succulent juices, they commence 
their ravages upon it ; and they are said to regale 
themselves upon the eggs of smaller birds. To the 
luxuries we have mentioned they add insects, which 
they hunt out of their hidden retreats in the crevices 
of ancient trees and underneath the perishing bark. 
AYhen their hunger is appeased, they cluster together 
in small parties on the tops and branches of decayed 
trees, where, for dessert, they chase and capture the 
various insects which pass through the air, launching 
after them for eight or ten yards, at times performing 
the most singular manoeuvres ; and on securing their 
victim they return to the tree, where directly after 
a continuous cry of exultation is uttered. They 
