Acorn Woodpeckers of Todd Grove Park LbNA #59764 (ARCHIVED)

My first introduction to Acorn Woodpeckers came here in Todd Grove Park. Their pantries of acorns in small holes covering the large fir trees in the park was my first clue. I asked a friend and she told me about these amazing birds that live in community and store food like squirrels. In the family group, only a few may mate but all take responsibility for creating nests and raising the babies. (I liked this idea) I soon learned to recognize their call which is almost like laughing.
Their acorn pantries are their reserve food source for winter as their main diet consists of fruit and insects. The call of the cartoon character, Woody Woodpecker, is said to be patterned on the call of the Acorn Woodpecker.
To find the Acorn letterbox, begin at the famous red rocket ship, sadly now closed and recently sinking. Follow the asphalt path, passing between the restrooms and the swimming pool. As you pass the colorful embedded tires on your right, keep an ear cocked for the raucous laughter of the parks' woodpeckers. Following the path through the firs and redwoods, you will spy a large lopsided oak on your right. About 6 feet up there's a perfect hiding spot.

So perfect that someone hid 2 beer bottles and disappeared my letterbox. (as of May 26, 2012)