'Vandal' damaging bird nesting boxes in Wisbech Park turns out to be woodpecker
BIRDWATCHERS who thought nesting boxes in Wisbech Park were being targeted by vandals were shocked to find out the damage was actually caused by… a woodpecker! They were baffled when bird boxes more than 12ft high in trees were damaged on the front around
BIRDWATCHERS who thought nesting boxes in Wisbech Park were being targeted by vandals were shocked to find out the damage was actually caused by... a woodpecker!
They were baffled when bird boxes more than 12ft high in trees were damaged on the front around the entry hole - and thought it could have been caused using air rifles or a catapult.
But on Sunday the culprit was caught - a male Green Woodpecker trying to make the holes larger to set up home.
John Smith, of the Friends of Wisbech Park, said: "Regular bird watchers in the park were horrified and could not imagine who would commit such a heinous crime. They have been scratching their heads to work out how it was done.
"Then on Sunday morning Stella, a regular watcher of wildlife in the park, discovered the answer. The culprit was identified and, as usual he was a male, she could clearly see that.
"And how was he caught I hear you ask. Did someone see an offensive weapon? Did he have a crossbow concealed under his coat or did he have a catapult hidden in a carrier bag?
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"No it was by the noise he was making. Stella had heard the sound before in her own garden, but this time it seemed to sound hollow.
"He was all decked out in his Sunday best. With his red cap and his black eye, he must have had a heavy Saturday night.
"The culprit was a fine a male Green Woodpecker and he was making the entry hole big enough for him and his bride to be to set up home inside.
"So crime solved. This could have taken up quite a bit of police time if it hadn't been so promptly solved.
