The Red Headed Woodpecker (INRIRI)

This year is the first time we have ever seen the Red Headed Woodpecker here!  We always watch for birds that are unusual, taking note of when they arrive, how long they stay or if they come and make themselves at home.  

Inriri (woodpecker) is a sacred and significant bird to Taino.  This particular species of Inriri is unusual in that it catches many insects in mid air in an amazing diving style flight, and while it does tap on trees, it does more of its hunting in the air.  It also sometimes stores live insects in crevices in the trees, such as grasshoppers!   In addition to all this, the Red Headed Woodpecker is a stunning bird with its full read head and black and white body, it is an eye catching woodpecker.  

This Red Headed Woodpecker has decided to take up residence here, and from the first sighting a month or two ago, he has been around consistently for the first time ever!  This also indicates to us that we are having success in introducing diversity and health back to the space we are caretaking.  This is, for us, a sign that a healthier eco-system is developing here.