Icewind's Ramblings

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

I have not been posting a lot lately and will try to get back into the rhythm of writing again. There has been much going on between work, family, and the season. The snow is melting now but there are still times that we will get a couple of inches overnight which will hopefully melt away quickly. I am ready for the summer season to arrive and fishing to get into my time. I was on several trips which I do need to write about as there were some funny things that happened. Vacation was much needed but alas too short. The plane flight back to Alaska from Miami was long, and full of sick people coughing all the way. It took me two days after being home to come down with whatever they had and it took me over two weeks to finally get it out of my system. I am still coughing but not like I was. Anyway, here is a little ditty that I thought you may like. Can you remember these or answer the questions? If you are an old fart like me, you just might be able to. 01. After the Lone Rang