Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery Info
The Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery Program was established in 2007 as a group within the Minneapolis Audubon chapter. We meet from January through October, usually on the third Wednesday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. at Lunds Grocery in Edina (second floor above the coffee shop).
Our initial focus is red-head recovery in Minnesota and the upper midwest. But we are happy to serve as a focal point for red-head recovery; until we get overwhelmed!
Our Goal
The goal of Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery is to reverse the decline and encourage the recovery of Red-headed Woodpecker populations througH the creation, preservation, and restoration of habitat, and with research, and public education.
Our Objectives
- Identify the specific habitat needs and evidence of the decline of the Red-headed Woodpecker (RHWO)
- Research habitat preferences/needs
- Gather evidence of species decline
- Identify state & national RHWO experts
- Locate RHWO clusters (three or more pairs within 1/4 mi. radius) in Minnesota
- Visit and document cluster existence
- Document and photograph cluster habitat and nest sites
- Encourage the preservation and restoration of existing RHWO cluster habitat
- Develop Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Distribute BMPs to appropriate landowners, golf course superintendents, nature centers, etc.
- Create an attractive 'appreciation certificate' for landowners, golf courses, nature centers, etc.
- Encourage the creation of new oak savannah and other habitats conducive to nesting RHWO populations
- Work with state and national groups concerned with RHWO recovery
- Contact Audubon, Nature Conservancy, NWR, DNR, SNA, DNR Non-Game, etc.
- Experiment with the creation and placement of nest boxes in appropriate areas to encourage RHWO nesting efforts.
- Design an appropriate nest box for RHWO
- Place and monitor boxes in a few select cluster areas
- Raise public awareness of the plight of the RHWO
- "Paper Session" at MN Ornithological Union
- Encourage newspaper/newsletter articles and other media attention
- Create an attractive patch or pin to be worn by birders
Adminstrative Info - Members only