Didn't know this until I looked it up, but it seems that they do regularly nest in the ground: From Cornell Nestwatchers project (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo/bios/sp_accts/nofl) - Nest Building: Northern Flickers excavate their nest cavities. They are considered weak excavators, mainly digging their nests in dead or decaying trees that are weathered and have weak wood. It is unknown which of the pair selects the nest site, but the location depends on the presence of weak wood, not on the presence of a particular tree species. In addition, flicker nests have been found in poles, fence posts, haystacks, and ground burrows. These woodpeckers also nest in boxes, but boxes should be packed tightly with sawdust for the birds to excavate. (See "A Nest-Box Plan for Northern Flickers" in Section 1 for details.) Than Boves Knoxville, TN -----Original Message----- From: tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx on behalf of Tony King Sent: Mon 6/13/2011 2:04 PM To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [TN-Bird] Northern Flicker Nesting In A Hole In The Ground This kind gentleman at Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery approached me with a question concerning woodpeckers nesting in the ground. Ernie Poore has a flicker in his yard on a nest with five eggs in it. His question was or is "is this normal ?" All my references state they nest telephone poles, tree cavaties and nest boxes. No references to nesting in the ground. If you have feed back , Ernie would love to hear from you. Cell # 865-274-8714. If you leave a message he will return your call. If you want to see the nesting flicker, his address is 187 Buckwheat Lane , Lancing. TN 37770 . This is located in Morgan County close to the Obed River and Libby Bridge area. Bird On !!!!!!!!!!!! Tony King