Woodpecker spotted (From Borehamwood Times)

Woodpecker spotted in Grove Road, Borehamwood

9:34am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Having a bad phone signal can be very frustrating – but this woodpecker got a good connection when he tapped into a telephone pole.

The white, red and black bird, usually found in woodland areas, was spotted by keen birdwatcher Vic Rowntree outside his home in Grove Road, Borehamwood.

The 65-year-old said he jumped up with excitement when he spotted the Pied Woodpecker just as he was eating breakfast on Sunday morning.

He said: “It was amazing and really impressive – it just sat there trying to tap into the telephone pole making a pecking noise. It stayed for quite a while.

“It is such an attractive bird so I am really happy that I spotted this. I love birdwatching so the first thing I did was grab my camera so I am thrilled with the photo.

“I have seen woodpeckers before but you would expect to see them in rural areas such as Well End and Shenley, so to find one here on a telegraph pole is pretty rare.”

Pied Woodpeckers are usually found in trees in rural parts of England, and lay four to seven eggs during May.