https://ebird.org/checklist/S148545427
Date: August 30, 2023
Location: Golden Gate Park–McLaren Lodge/Horseshoe Pits/Northeast Entrance – 37°46’23.7″N 122°27’18.6″W
Species account: Nutall’s Woodpecker (Dryobates nutallii)
The Nutall’s Woodpecker is a small and striking species of woodpecker native to western parts of North America. The Nutall’s woodpecker measures about 6.5-7 inches in length and 12 inches in wingspan. The male woodpecker was observed pecking on a tree as shown in the photo below. Males of this species have a black crown, wings, and neck, and a red patch on the back of their heads. Female woodpeckers lack the red patch on the back of their heads. Both males and females usually have black patches on their fairly white cheeks. They mostly also have white spots on their backs. These species are usually found in oak woodlands and riparian habitats and are primarily located along the western coast of North America. These species feed on insects and larvae found beneath the bark of trees, especially oaks. Nuttall’s Woodpeckers are recognized for their unique drumming calls, employed to mark their territory. In the breeding season, they create nesting holes in oak trees to raise their offspring. Nuttall’s Woodpeckers tend to stay with one partner (monogamous) during the breeding season and form strong, lasting bonds. They protect their nest areas fiercely.
Narrative:
We began by adjusting our binoculars before leaving. It was a sunny morning, one of the warmest days in San Francisco, as we set out around 9:56 AM on August 30, 2023, for Golden Gate Park. We spent nearly three hours bird watching, and it was an incredible experience for me since it was my first time going out bird watching. It did take my eyes some time to get used to the binoculars and I do realize I need some more practice on using them. Golden Gate Park proved to have a diverse range of habitats and bird species. One of the most memorable moments was when we spotted the Townshend’s Warbler, a dark-cheeked bird with bright yellow. Bird watching really helped me to connect with nature and I truly found myself captivated by the diversity of these birds. I can’t wait for more bird-watching adventures! 🙂
Photos:
Sources:
Sibley, D. A. (2000). The Sibley Guide to Birds. Knopf.
eBird. (2021). Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii). https://ebird.org/species/nutwoo1
Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2021). Nuttall’s Woodpecker. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker
Nuttall’s woodpecker identification, all about birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. , All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Nuttalls_Woodpecker/id