Bird Breeding Begins

     The other day I posted a "Tweet" that said,  "I hear a chickadee singing for a mate and a woodpecker tapping on the house."  Little did I know I was recognizing one of the first official signs of the bird breeding season according to DNR wildlife educator Jan Welsh in the Conservation Volunteer.

I have heard woodpeckers drilling in very cold weather.  Why do I hear the woodpeckers drilling not only in winter but in such cold weather?  Are they making a nest?  Stephen Vadnais, St. Paul

The birds are "drumming" to announce their territory to other male woodpeckers in the area.  DNR wildlife educator Jan Welsh says it’s one of the first official signs of the bird breeding season beginning in late winter, along with chickadees broadcasting their "fee-bee" calls.