A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Melanerpes formicivorus
The acorn woodpecker is a communal species that stores acorns in holes in the bark of "silo" trees, to supply themselves through the winter. They are much loved by birder's both for their "clown faces(see #4 for a straight shot of the beak and face)," and their bold cheeky nature which allows birders good views and photos as they go about their business of hunting insects for their young, and storing acorns for the winter. Loss of habitat is a critical problem for this species, which in this region has found a haven in the wildlife safari park and it's oak woodlands that are protected for the public's enjoyment. We counted at least 15 individuals in three separate areas, and also include a photo of an apparently abandoned silo tree(taken from a later trip). The park is considered a birding hotspot on ebird and many birders purchase memberships just for the birding
Living free in an oak grassland, protected within the confines of Wildlife safari park in Winston.
There is a section of the park, near the wetlands, cordoned off from the hoof stock via cattle guards, where it is safe to get out, stretch your legs, get a snack or take a closer look at the pond and it's wildlife. Many nice interpretive signs regarding wetlands and a lot of bird song much of the year. The park itself is the most successful cheetah breeding program in the US and has raised over 230 cheetah cubs.
Spotted on Apr 23, 2021
Submitted on May 29, 2021
2 Comments
It is, although in terms of world class zoos, not so much. Still they do care for the animals well and they all have space to roam, good food etc. But in terms of birding it's a fun place - several of the security stations have bird feeders. We go there about once a month just to relax and unwind. The last time we went was a school afternoon. One section allows feeding of animals (their normal pelleted rations)and obviously not many had been through, so the crowned crane and some asian antelopes and deer practically pushed their heads in the window even though we didn't have food. All in all, I do recommend it and yes, you'll see acorn woodpeckers. Go early, before there are so many cars you can't just hang out and watch them
Excellent spotting, Karen! I've been wanting to find one of these! The park sounds amazing too!