Red-bellied Woodpeckers are common year-round residents of eastern woodlands and forests. Rock Creek Park is one of those areas where Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be easily seen but more likely heard due to their distinctive calls.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a striking bird more easily identified by its bright red head, though not to be confused with the Red-headed Woodpecker (rarely seen here). They do in fact have red bellies but this feature is difficult to see. They are also identified by their heavily barred backs.
As our house is not far from the cache and we have many large trees in our yard, Red-bellied Woodpeckers frequent our backyard feeders. If you live near large trees, Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be attracted to feeders with peanuts and sometimes sunflower seeds as well as suet in winter.
Attached to the inside of the cache is a small audio device that will play some samples of the Red-bellied Woodpecker's calls. Listen to the samples and then as you leave the park, listen for the calls of the Red-bellied Woodpecker. In spring or summer, it's extremely likely you will hear the woodpecker.
This information and more regarding the woodpecker can be found here: Link
Trail map is here: Link
Please obey all Montgomery County Park regulations when visiting this cache. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset so NO NIGHT CACHING PLEASE.
Cache is located above a trail which can be busy on nice days but summer vegetation should provide sufficient cover. Some stealth should be utilized in any event.
Be careful when replacing the items and lid that the button is not pressed down so as to continuously play the sounds and drain the battery. Please notify us if the sounds no longer play as the batteries likely need to be replaced.
