Posted by Spencer (68.38.135.91) on November 13, 2002 at 15:07:38:
In Reply to: Re: Ladder-backed posted by Mark Brown on November 13, 2002 at 12:50:09:
There is no way of telling if the bird is excavating a cavity or is simply attending to eggs. If the egg dates are in the period previously stated, then it would be too late in the season to be excavating. The eggs should be already laid. In the east, I have observed Downy Woodpeckers excavating as early as late Feb/early March. Both sexes will incubate with Nuttall's.
Spencer