[texbirds-freelists] [texbirds] 3 cavity nesters using 1 snag, brownheaded nuthatch, broadtailed hummingbirds

 In our backyard we have a 25 foot tall pine snag as a result of hurricane Ike 
that we intentionally left standing as a potential nesting site for  
woodpeckers. It was used successfully by redheadeds last year. The opening to 
the cavity used was moderately enlarged by pileateds this winter but not used 
by them. The RHWPs went right back to it upon their return April 6. A 
redbellied male had already finished a new cavity about 3 feet below and 90 
degrees to the right of the larger hole (redbellieds created the cavity that 
the redheadeds used but had abandoned it shortly before the rhwps arrival last 
April). Tuesday evening we noticed a screech owl in the enlarged cavity. The 
redheadeds went back to a cavity (about 5 feet below and 90 degrees to the left 
of the now owl occupied cavity) they had started last year before settling on 
the already finished redbellied cavity. So there are 3 species utilizing the 
same snag for nesting cavities within 5 feet of each other. Both of the 
woodpeckers regularly check the original cavity to see if it is still occupied 
by the owl (they peek inside). Had a brownheaded nuthatch visit the yard Sunday 
also (heard or seen irregularly at our location). Last broadtailed male hummer 
seen Thursday am, female Saturday PM.
 
Keith Kingdon
NW Houston
                                          
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  • » [texbirds-freelists] [texbirds] 3 cavity nesters using 1 snag, brownheaded nuthatch, broadtailed hummingbirds - KEITH KINGDON