We have a Flicker making the rounds of squirrel abodes (plentiful,
since the squirrels appreciate food originally intended for the
birds!), seemingly feeding.  Might they be finding insects in these
leaf and stick nests high in the trees? The Flicker spent 5 - 10
minutes on the outside of a large one.

A number of years ago, I watched Flickers follow behind a Pileated
Woodpecker in our woods.  My guess was that they were seeking ants
that had been overlooked, or emerged after the Pileated had moved on.
It was March, so conceivably there was sap running, though I don't
know that would interest the Flickers.

Anyone know anything about these behaviors?

Helen Ostermiller
Medina County

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