Green Woodpeckers

Yes, I very much agree with Richard's concerns - the provisional winter atlas map of green woodpecker distribution in Pembs looks pretty dire.

Having helped map the breeding population (as it was then) in south Pembs in 1984-88 and noted quite significant declines in the same area for the 2003-07 recent local breeding atlas work, it does seem only a matter of time before we loose them altogether. Worryingly I have yet to hear one yaffling at Stackpole this year. Normally they are doing this during most March days. Last year I found 2 nests but no young fledged - I have not seen juvs at Stackpole for at least 2 years.

We really need to know what is going on! Is it lack of ants? (Are those yellow ant populations in the still numerous ant hills dying off ?) I will try and check out samples of ant colonies this summer; or is the increase in goshawk activity in south Pembs (especially during autumn/winter) having an impact? Are they still clinging on around Narberth somewhere? The only other place I know them to occur down here is around Saundersfoot area (e.g. Happy valley area) but are they still there?

We really do need to try and find out what is going on. The breeding element of the national atlas kicks off on 1st April so green woodpeckers yaffling somewhere really ought to be recorded with detail on the Blog of the actual location/wood etc if possible. Their possible imminent demise is also something that needs discussion by the local Biodiversity Partnership, I feel - this species really does need some dedicated survey work to find out what is going on!