Photo by H. David Fleischmann.
The red-cockaded woodpecker chicks have fledged their nest! They were last observed on Saturday, June 1 and are believed to have fledged either later in the day that Saturday or on Sunday, June 2. Two separate pairs of birders, one group from Virginia and one from Maryland, traveled to Big Woods Wildlife Management Area that Saturday to see the red-cockaded woodpeckers.
Photo by Cindy Hamilton.
Photo by Cindy Hamilton.
Both groups observed the parents tending to their chicks at the nest and beautifully captured their interactions in this series of photos.
Photo by H. David Fleischmann.
Photo by H. David Fleischmann.
Thank you to David Fleischmann and Cindy Hamilton for generously sharing your photos!
Photo by H. David Fleischmann.
Although the young have fledged their nest, this family of red-cockaded woodpeckers may still be observed at Big Woods WMA. For information on visiting Big Woods WMA, click here.
Photo by H. David Fleischmann.
How to Support Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in Virginia
- Purchase a Restore the Wild Membership to support the DWR’s habitat restoration work, such as that accomplished at Big Woods WMA. The membership also serves as your pass to visiting Big Woods WMA and over 40 other WMAs throughout the Commonwealth.
- Consider participating in a Safe Harbor Agreement, if you are a landowner with property adjacent to Piney Grove Preserve, Big Woods WMA, or Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
- If visiting red-cockaded woodpecker viewing areas, such as at Big Woods WMA, please stay out of the marked stands of trees that hold the woodpeckers’ cavities. Do not approach, pursue the birds, or play callback recordings—all of which are considered harassment of this endangered species.
- To learn more about Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and their history in Virginia, visit their species profile on the DWR website.