Red-bellied Woodpecker vs. European Starling

Photos taken by Bill Kominsky at Green Cay.

This battle wasn't nearly as intense as the Black-bellied Whistling Duck battle but still there was a clear winner. The Red-bellied Woodpecker captured a wasp which was then eyed by the European Starling. Like a typical starling this one decided to bully the woodpecker and take the quick meal. The woodpecker dodged the attack and ate the meal in peace. This time the winner was the woodpecker but from experience we know that at Green Cay the starlings have the last word when it (almost always) destroys the nesting attempt of our Red-bellied Woodpeckers.