"NATURE'S STRUCTURED HOUSING"

Pileated Woodpecker (Juvenile) & Gray Squirrel - 7 Photos

In grabbing some shots of this young Pileated Woodpecker, (which I named PJ for short, i.e. Pileated Junior),  a small head caught my eye as it poked out of the small hole in the trunk below that of the bird.

It appears the Pileated Woodpecker family took possession of the "penthouse" in this tree trunk and the Gray Squirrel occupies the suite (or in this case the smaller hole) below.

The young bird repeatedly called for its parents and at various intervals, retreated into the hole where it began to drill into the "pantry" for small insects. Of course, I couldn't see this action but I could certainly hear it and no doubt, so did the squirrel, which it probably popped out to investigate.

We all probably have heard stories of the grumpy neighbour downstairs complaining about the noise from upstairs, whether it be whining children or banging. And this squirrel appears from its demeanor, very unhappy and you could hear it chattering away every time the woodpecker banged on the walls of the tree from inside. 

And check out Photo #4. That's not polite, PJ, you shouldn't stick your tongue out at your older neighbour!

Even in Nature, you can't choose your neighbours. Cheer up, Grumpy Pants, it appears this little woodpecker will soon be fledged and peace will once again reside in the tree!

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7