Paddy ate my Woodpecker

After only hearing 'one' in the garden for months on end - I've been spotting more over the last few days. Law of averages (and the noises) told me that I'd got a family which was nice to know but - I was miffed today to find Paddy proudly parading one (chip chipping for it's life) within clamped jaws whilst he made that YOW 'gift bearing' sound only a proud cat can make.

I tried to get it off him as it's amazing how sometimes cats can hold a bird for ages only to see them escape unscathed - unfortunately he got away through the fence and what was left was brown bread.

Anyway - tonight we had a lovely BBQ and who should show up bold as brass....



I'm not posting it as a great shot but it was nice to see that this was an adult male (he'd been into my bird cake) - here's hoping the vitcim was a young one and mum is also still about.

PICS added

A few more of the Great Spotted Woodpecker family taken Saturday afternoon. Glad to see that both the male and female are still about. These are long shots cropped taken from the back door but I'm hoping for decent close ups tomorrow if the weather is fine.

Juvenile (red cap) waiting for mum.


Mum (black head) getting the grub.


Passing it on.

Brilliant to see him... shame about the darn cat.

Saw the female earlier today with a fledgling so that was good.

Lovely looking fella.

He's a beauty gorgeous light too.

The joys of cat ownership, eh?

Some more pics added to the top.....

Cracking captures

Aww - lovely, we don't get these in Ireland (except as serious rarities) so it's really nice to see pics. I can't stand cats

xx

Cheers guys

Zoundz - I thought they were starting to establish themselves a bit more now.

Well - we have a couple in Phoenix Park in Dublin... but other than that they are a very rare sight indeed.

xx