Comments on: Woodpecker Skull Biomechanics: Natural History Illustration

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:43:36 +0000

In reply to Cactus. Thank you! Glad this got you interested.

By: Cactus

Cactus — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:28:33 +0000

Wow, this is truly fascinating! 🌳🕊️ I never knew much about woodpecker skull biomechanics until now. The natural history illustration really brings the subject to life. It’s incredible how these birds have evolved to withstand such high impact forces while drumming. Nature’s engineering at its finest! 🍃🎨 Would love to learn more about the research behind this illustration and how it helps us understand these incredible creatures better. Keep up the amazing work! 👏👍 #WoodpeckerSkull #Biomechanics #NaturalHistoryIllustration #NatureLovers

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 21:29:51 +0000

In reply to Susan Cobos. Gosh,youve done everything anyone might think of! Poor you, Im nor surprised your nerves are in tatters! If I hear of any similar situations and amazing solutions Ill be sure to pass the info on. In the meantime, good luck! X

By: Susan Cobos

Susan Cobos — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 18:25:14 +0000

Thank you for responding. I agree that it is most likely that the birds are seeing their reflection and thinking it’s a rival.

I did try hanging 5 black Silhouettes of crows and the attacks increased! I also taped ribbons, which blew with the breeze. This didn’t slow them down. And I hung bird netting, but then couldn’t stand the idea that the birds would get caught in it and took it down. The birds sit in my apple tree, about 10 feet from the window, and just dive into it.

I am glad to know that they are protected from this behavior. Wish I could say the same for my nerves. Thanks again.

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 07:34:19 +0000

In reply to Susan Cobos. Oh my, that's quite something. I'd imagine they're trying to fight off other rivals for their territory ( ie their reflection) and yes, I bet it's the hyloid structure that saves them from breaking their necks. I'm amazed your windows have survived! Have you tried putting up some of those window stickers of silhouettes of birds of prey? No idea if it would work or not, but I can't think of what else to try!

By: Susan Cobos

Susan Cobos — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:59:21 +0000

Thank you for the very interesting article. I have a huge oak tree about 50 feet from my garden which is often home to hundreds of acorn woodpeckers. They visit my apple tree and bird bath daily.
During mating season, they fly into my plate glass window hour after hour and incredibly, it shakes the house. I have tried everything I can think of to deter them, but it goes on for days, and for hours at a time. I’ve often wondered why I don’t find dead woodpeckers under the window, but they seem to survive. Could this be due to the same protective mechanism that you describe? Do you know of any deterrent?