Woodpecker problem

[pjlippert]

I have the world's most annoying woodpecker. Beginning at sun-rise it starts to peck on the metal fireplace thing - right outside my bedroom!! These pesks have normally given up quickly if I make a little noise. This one is a persistant little bugger!! That's not the only place on the house it munches on. But it is by far the most annoying!

Any ideas as to what can help?

Thanks.
Pam

 

[Davidj]

One idea: feed him fruit suet

It's difficut to chase away birds.

At our house, I feed birds of many varieties. I have one feeder -- hanging under the overhang near our bedroom -- a feeder with seed, but with two square suet "baskets" at each end.

We're fortunate to have one hairy woodpecker:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairy_Woodpecker

visit this feeder every day. He feeds on the suet. Suet -- easily available at box stores -- is damp, such that a wood pecker doesn't make any noise while eating it. I would think your birdy frlend might prefer suet to insects, since suet is tasty to woodpeckers and is far easier to find and eat.

One idea would be to hang suet baskets in the tree he is pecking. Try to identify the woodpecker's species -- and see if he will eat the suet.

You mention that he is a persistent hard-working fellow. I am fortunate to be able to stand up in front of my bedroom window and study our woodpecker from about two feet away from the feeder. And I agree that they are persistent. My friend will peck away at the suet for about 20 minutes straight -- concentrating the whole time at his breakfast.
-- Davidj

 

[Afreet]

What the previous poster said!

We had the same problem you describe, except we live near the woods and have at least six or seven woodpeckers. We put out a suet feeder and SHAZZAM! - no more chimney pecking. They're pretty smart - they'll go for the actual food instead of blunting their cute little beaks in fruitless attempts to extract bugs from your chimney.

 

[pjlippert]

Thanks very much! What a humane way to handle it and also it keeps me from climbing up to the second story to attach shiny things as a deterent!

Pam