![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3SW5vU570KM/Uzb6fcdDoYI/AAAAAAAAJIk/3FavCVh7D5U/s1600/00+Dendrocopos+leucotos+DSCN9842+(copy).JPG) |
White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi |
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLrzNKLVoPA/Uzb7CejWeJI/AAAAAAAAJIs/pGmJDziaZXg/s1600/00+DSCN9849.JPG) |
Typical tree stump shaved by White-backed Woodpecker |
Brilliant morning spent in the extensive Dinaric forests of Mt. Snežnik. Had an exciting encounter with one of Slovenia's rarest breeding birds:
WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER. Two territorial birds (male and female) were seen. Also both calls and drumming were heard several times in the course of the morning. A "shaved" tree stump was also a good sign of the presence of this species. Not far away from the woodpecker's location, a Brown Bear's footprint was found in the mud. Plenty of other birds in the forest seen/heard, including: Coal and
Willow Tit, Buzzard, Raven, Dunnock, Goldcrest &
Firecrest (both holding territories), Siskin,
Bullfinch and
Crossbill. A flock of +100 Woodpigeons on passage was also of note.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8Xphyz1RrY/Uzb7iAg0KkI/AAAAAAAAJJM/xbGUEglAnf0/s1600/00+Ursus+arctos+DSCN9839.JPG) |
Bear's footprint (Ursus arctos) |
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wV7Y3HY-j4A/Uzb7gm7oHvI/AAAAAAAAJJE/heQFPNZISb8/s1600/00+Helleborus+niger+DSCN9858.JPG) |
Helleborus niger |
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spHmH3KD5vM/Uzb7a_QTbFI/AAAAAAAAJI4/9l9QK2mfjf8/s1600/00+Crocus+vernus+DSCN9867.JPG) |
Crocus vernus |
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gBZjZoVMVPY/Uzb7aisNOrI/AAAAAAAAJI0/_169u7o2UyU/s1600/00+DSCN9876.JPG) |
Snow-covered Mt. Snežnik (1796 m) |