I asked the question to Siri, which took me to Chat GPT. This answer was sourced from Eastside Audubon’s web site:
“Yes, the presence of raptors can discourage birds like Northern Flickers. Raptors are natural predators of flickers, and their presence often induces anti-predator behaviors in these woodpeckers. For instance, Northern Flickers may freeze in place to avoid detection when a predator is nearby.”
Think of Acorn Woodpeckers drilling into wood siding to create a granary for their stash of acorns. I think of flickers drilling into siding in search of insects. I would consider it a wake up call for insect damage such as from powder post beetles or carpenter ants. In my experience, when flickers are defending mating territory, they do it by drumming on metal such as a metal chimney pipe. Drilling in wood seems like foraging activity. Thoughts from others?
The season is over and it’s time for the neighbors to stop the endless broadcast of noise. If they are approachable, I would talk to them for my own sanity. You are entitled to quiet enjoyment of your property. The neighbor’s activity is beyond unreasonable. You might want to discuss a noise complaint with the city if the neighbor persists.