Woodpecker, sapsucker, flicker. Whatever the name, this bird’s damage to wooden structures is prevalent throughout my neighborhood in Colorado. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website states, “During the early spring, woodpeckers hammer to attract mates, to establish and/or defend a territory, to excavate nesting or roosting sites, and to search for insects.”
At least five times over the years, the northern flicker has attacked my home and caused damage. Making a nearly perfect round hole through the cedar siding and sheathing. These holes have been patched with pieces of wood. However, one recent patch did not hold. A flicker broke it out and built a nest in my attic. This time I attempted to repair the intruder’s entry hole myself.