Who has not been waked up by a loud drumming, a drumming so loud that it sounded like a jackhammer by your window? That drumming is a Woodpecker drilling a hole for a nest or looking for a tasty Insect. Or perhaps Woodpecker is communicating to another Woodpecker. Different drummings are used in courtship calls and in telling other Woodpeckers, “I’m Here!” Woodpeckers drum in grief when a Mate dies, and in relief when They are being relieved by their Mate in feeding their Young.
Woodpeckers are unique for what They do. They have a shock-absorber head to withstand repeated blows, a strong stiff bill, a long tongue, and a stiff tail for balance. What Woodpeckers do is peck for Insects hidden under the tree bark. They peck to hear an echo, and then to create a sound wave to blast out the unfortunate Insect. Then Woodpeckers stick their tongue in the hole They just pecked and harpoon the unfortunate Insect.
Woodpeckers are a “core species” of the woodlands (except in Australia and Madagascar, where They are absent). (“Core species” provide opportunities for other species to thrive.) By eating wood-boring Insects, They contribute to the health of trees. Pecking at dead wood, Woodpeckers make it accessible for other decomposing organisms. When They are done, other small Birds can forage successfully for Insects. The Woodpeckers’ homes in excavated tree holes provide places for roosting by Owls.
In Classical Greek and Roman traditions, Woodpecker was associated with the God of War. According to Roman Classical tradition, a Woodpecker was part of the founding of the City of Rome. Twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, were sons of Rhea Silvia, a Latin princess, and Mars, the God of War. Cast into the Tiber River, the twins were rescued by a She-Wolf and Picus, the Woodpecker, who took care of them. Not only does provide Woodpecker provides the foundation for forest, but also the foundation for the City of Rome.
Woodpecker teaches how to lay the foundation for life. You take a dead tree and peck at it until you have a home. With your permanent home, you branch out in your life. See Woodpecker as your teacher in providing the bedrock to grow on.
Woodpecker Family’s Teachings Include:
“Woodpeckers are good signs. They are symbols of wealth, good luck, happiness, and healing. If you hear or see a Woodpecker pecking on a tree near your house, thank him for the message and gift.” Copyright: “Spirits of the Earth”, Bobby Lake-Thom.
According to Dr. George P. Butler, Sr., Woodpecker teaches 'Rhythym'. Read more about Woodpecker at his site. Do not forget to use your back button to return to this site.
Take time to read what Individual Woodpecker Teachers have to teach.
Purchase toys of woodpeckers from Amazon.com
Photos of Gila Woodpecker and Red-Cockaded Woodpecker courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Va. Carper
July 23, 2007