Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is home to several species of woodpecker–one of the favorite birds to spot in the wintertime. This red-bellied woodpecker is named for the reddish splash of color on its belly.
Have you ever wondered why woodpeckers do not get headaches? Woodpeckers have a special bone called the hyoid that acts like a seatbelt or shock absorber for its skull.
In addition to the red-bellied woodpecker, other species of woodpeckers visitors might see at the refuge or at backyard feeders include downy, hairy, red-headed and northern flicker. Suet, black oil sunflower seeds, and whole peanuts may bring these feathered friends to local feeders.
This photograph of a red-bellied woodpecker was taken by Tony Everhardt. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge’s trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and Rookery Nature Store are open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The refuge is at 14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor.
For more information, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/events.
