Woody Woodpecker Would be Proud

It's that time of year in Alaska when woodpeckers are out pecking on telephone poles. I always wondered why they do it since there can't be any bugs to dig out, certainly none that don't taste foul from years of soaking in creosote.

Turns out the birds use the poles for the same thing humans do — communication.

Woodpeckers don't use the wires, just the poles. The dried wood makes a satisfying sound that can be heard by other birds for blocks around.

Most of the telephone-pole communicators are males advertising for mates. In that regard they are remarkably like humans.

I learned Morse code many years ago at the Army's Rotary Wing Flight Training School in Alabama at Fort Rucker and realized recently that woodpecker code is quite similar to the old Morse classic — and the birds use their own version of text messaging.

The other day, one in my neighborhood was sending out a signal saying, "Macho male w/big bill and great plumage seeks female w/strong nesting instinct, for serious mating. Avail. immed."

I've also learned that woodpeckers in most neighborhoods send their signal several times and sign off with a jaunty, "Shave & a haircut, two bits." Most of you in the younger generation probably won’t remember that one. Those bird brains near retail areas often pick up the local jargon and substitute, "Thank u have a nice day."

Banging your head against solid wood to meet females reminds me of my younger days, but that's another story.

Welcome springtime, we welcome the warmth, the light, and the coming summer.

Ice