Woodpecker decoy causes confusion
A METAL decoy used to protect power lines from the ravages of woodpeckers got birdwatchers in a right flap.
News that a rare black woodpecker – never seen this side of the North Sea – had been sighted in the Lake District nearly sparked an invasion of twitchers.
Thousands were set to arrive at Ling Fell, Cumbria, after the crow-size wood- pecker with its jet-black plumage and vermillion crown was seen perched on the side of a wooden power mast.
A passer-by checked a book of European birds, then reported it to the BirdGuides information service. But before birdwatchers appeared, the truth was revealed.
United Utilities has been putting decoy black woodpeckers on electricity poles to stop the native great spotted woodpeckers from damaging them.
A spokeswoman said: “We knew they fooled woodpeckers but we never imagined they would fool anyone else.”
