The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.--Of the woodpecker there are several
species; but this is one of the best known. It is, properly speaking, a
bird of passage; though even in the Eastern States individuals are
found during moderate winters, as well as in the states of New York and
Pennsylvania. Notwithstanding the care which this bird takes to place
its young beyond the reach of enemies, within the hollows of trees, yet
there is one deadly foe, against whose depredations neither the height
of the tree nor the depth of the cavity, is the least security. This is
the black snake, who frequently glides up the trunk of the tree, and,
like a skulking savage, enters the woodpecker's peaceful apartment,
devours the eggs, or helpless young, in spite of the cries and
flutterings of the parents, and, if the place is large enough, coils
himself up in the spot they occupied, where he will sometimes remain
several days.
The IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER.--Wilson says, "I found one of these birds
while travelling in North Carolina. It was slightly wounded in the
wing, and, on being caught, uttered a loudly-reiterated and most
piteous note, exactly like the violent crying of a child, which
terrified my horse very much. It was distressing to hear it. I carried
it with me under cover to Wilmington. In passing through the streets,
its affecting cries surprised every one within hearing, especially the
females, who hurried to the doors and windows with looks of anxiety and
alarm. I rode on, and on arriving at the piazza of the hotel where I
intended to put up, the landlord came forward, and a number of persons
who happened to be there, all equally alarmed at what they heard; this
was greatly increased by my asking whether he could furnish me with
accommodations for myself and baby. The man looked foolish, and the
others stared with astonishment. After diverting myself a few minutes
at their expense, I drew out my woodpecker, and a general laugh took
place. I took him up stairs, and locked him up in my room, and tied him
with a string to the table. I then went out to procure him some food.
On my return, I had the mortification to find that he had entirely
ruined the mahogany table, on which he had wreaked his whole vengeance.
I kept him three days, but, refusing all sustenance, he died, to my
great regret."