Lesser Peckers thrive in New Forest (1 Viewer)

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9239718.Forest_is_hotspot_for_woodpecker/

I wonder what other areas of the UK they are considered as doing well?

The regular Derbyshire birds were hard to catch up with this Spring following the poor winter, but eventually did show (and quite well in fact) as the weather turned to the good.

However, there are very few pairs about despite seemingly good tracts of woodland and parkland that offer the right habitat.

I live in the New forest and hadn't seen one for years despite always tramping about in the woods with my binoculars, so early this spring I spent the day in Denny wood specifically searching for them. Took me quite a few hours of following the drumming and kestrel like calls high in the oaks to finally locate one and get a good look through my bins. Was a great day out, and seeing a pair of hawfinches too was a bonus!
Have seen one lesser spot since then quite by chance, great spots and yaffles are everywhere though.

I`ve been lucky to see 2 in the Forest this year when watching other birds.

Steve.

I've yet to see one in the New Forest. Have pretty much cleaned up stumbling upon all the other New Forest attractions without much difficulty, but Lesser Peckers seem to be the toughest IMO.

Suggesting they are 'thriving' in the New Forest is a bit of media over-statement.
If you put the time in at several areas in Spring you'll probably strike lucky but you can go dozens and dozens of visits even in prime areas and not get a sniff of one especially outside of March-May.
Russ
PS I'm sure someone will reply that they get them daily as a garden birds somewhere in the NF!!