Feeding Habits of Lewis Woodpecker
Feeding Habits of Lewis Woodpecker
On June 16, 1923, while collecting near Imnaha, Wallowa County, Oregon, I frightened a Lewis Woodpecker from the top of a fence post where it was evidently having a feast. On top of the post it had left a fresh egg, probably its own; for it was absolutely fresh, of the right size, and unmarked. The shell had been broken into, but the contents not yet extracted.
In a knothole on the side of the post was an eggshell (of the same kind), and a snail shell which had been broken into. Wedged into the cracks of the nest were several insects (some of them still alive) of the two species commonly known as “salmon flies” and “trout flies”. On the ground at the foot of the post were several snail shells, a green prune (picked into), and several cherry seeds with stems attached. The nearest source of cherries was almost half a mile away.
Wm. E. Sherwood
Trail Oregon, February 7, 1927
