Spring is that time of year when leaves start to turn green, and the rhythmic pounding of a brown and white bird on a metal chimney or side of the house becomes a common occurrence. Whether you have cedar siding, like many of us in Coach Hill and/or stucco that is common in Patterson Heights, patching gaping holes becomes part of your annual maintenance.
This is the artwork of the Northern Flicker (Colaptes Auratus), a species protected by the migratory bird act. Despite their noise and excavation habits, Northern Flickers can be a welcome addition to your yard. Their diet consists mostly of ants, wasps, grasshoppers, spiders, aphids, termites, and beetles. In fact, Northern Flickers eat on average 5,000 ants daily according to bird friendly Calgary (2022). The question remains, how do you reap the benefits of Northern Flickers in your yard and avoid damage to infrastructure?
There are many things to try, of varying effectiveness, including wind chimes, temporary bird netting, mesh or spikes, plastic owls, and reflective objects such as mirrors, balloons, streamers, or windsocks. These can be strategically placed along areas you witness excavation.
Another method is to welcome them into your yard by building a Flicker nest box. If they have their own safe space to nest, they may leave your siding alone. Flickers really like to nest high off of the ground. Your nest box will need to be placed 10 to 30 feet from the ground.
Do you have another idea that has allowed you to co-exist with Northern Flickers? Send us an email at [email protected].
