A British gardening enthusiast experienced an incredible moment of serendipity after reviewing footage from a camera she had set up in her garden, capturing a huge and beautiful surprise visitor.
The Unlikely Garden Helper
The homeowner, who shares her passion online as West Coast Plants, was utterly gobsmacked to discover the identity of her mysterious helper. The video she posted to TikTok reveals a stunning male pileated woodpecker, a bird distinguished by its striking red cap and bold crimson stripe running from its beak to its throat.
In the remarkable footage, the woodpecker is seen busily pecking away at fallen logs, undertaking its natural behaviour which inadvertently aids in garden decomposition. The brief clip concludes with the striking bird flying to a nearby tree to continue its work from a higher perch.
Why Woodpeckers Are Garden VIPs
This sighting is particularly special because, as many commented, people can go decades without ever spotting one of these elusive birds. The importance of woodpeckers extends far beyond their visual appeal. Organisations like the Audubon Society classify them as 'keystone species' due to their vital role in crafting habitats for other creatures.
Abandoned woodpecker nesting holes frequently become essential homes or roosts for a variety of other species, including small owls, ducks, swifts, bluebirds, swallows, and wrens, as well as many mammals. A single, venerable dead tree, perforated with multiple cavities, can become a multi-level condominium supporting an entire host of woodland wildlife.
Public Reaction and UK Woodpecker Guide
The online reaction to the video was one of shared wonder and recognition of its rarity. One TikTok user exclaimed, "The only one I've EVER seen in 63 years," while another remarked on the bird's impressive size. West Coast Plants herself noted that their encounters are mutually startling, especially when the large bird flies out from a vine above her deck.
For those inspired by this event, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) confirms that three species of woodpecker can be found in the UK. The great spotted woodpecker is a fairly common sight at garden bird feeders, while the green woodpecker is shyer and prefers gardens with large lawns. Tragically, the lesser spotted woodpecker is in significant decline and is now rarely seen.
The RHS advises that woodpeckers are present all year but are most active in gardens during spring. To encourage these fascinating birds, you can keep feeders stocked with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and fat balls. Furthermore, leaving dead wood, which houses wood-boring insects, and maintaining areas of long grass for ants will create an ideal habitat, potentially turning your own garden into a haven for these spectacular keystone creatures.
