This is the season when the flickers seem to delight in pounding away on
metal chimnneys and metal tops of streetlights. Why? Is it to attract a
mate? Or to proclaim a territory? Or to sharpen their beaks? Does
anyone know if there have been any studies on this? And how about other
woodpeckers - are any others known to behave this way? Thankfully, the
Pileateds in our neighborhood have not taken to beating their heads on
such metal objects.

************************
Robert Cleland

Professor (Emeritus), Biology Dept. Box 355325
Univ. of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-5325
Phone (206) 543-6105; FAX (206) 685-1728