Saturday 29 March 2014

WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER in Slovenia

White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi
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.
Bear's footprint (Ursus arctos)
Helleborus niger
Crocus vernus
Snow-covered Mt. Snežnik (1796 m)