Malicious Mirror Mischief

 

by Pa Rock

Bird Fancier

A malevolent marauder has been menacing Massachusetts car mirrors of late, and creating a maelstrom of maddening public meltdowns.

Rockport, Massachusetts, is a beautiful seaside community located about forty miles northeast of Boston on the Cape Ann peninsula.  Rockport is so colorful and scenic that the small city of nearly seven thousand has been featured in several movies including "The Proposal," "CODA," and "Manchester by the Sea."  But for the past several weeks Rockport has been in the news for something other than stunning coastal scenery and touristy New England charm.

The town came under seige in April by a very determined Pileated Woodpecker (the largest breed of woodpecker in North America) who seemed to be at war with his own reflection and proceeded to break side mirrors and at least one side window on more than two dozen local vehicles.  The nuisance and damage was so unrelenting that many residents began tying garbage bags around their car mirrors.

The culprit wasn't identified for several days, but once he was spotted working on the mirror of a local truck, Rockport residents realized what they were up against - a very determined, 21-inch tall woodpecker - a bird of unquestioned authority who was not going to tolerate a bird just as big and colorful as himself invading his territory - especially during mating season.  Woody went to war with a wengeance  vengeance!

Apparently the angry bird has finally found a partner and has begun to settle down - like humans do as they pair up and get domesticated.

(Note:  It is important not to confuse woodpeckers, who are feathered, with peckerwoods, who wear suits and run the White House and hold Cabinet positions.  They are two distinctly different breeds of birds!)