Date: 4/4/26 8:32 am From: Kara Snow <000014e3e51d51c5-dmarc-request...> Subject: [mou-net] Help researchers at UMN find Pileated Woodpecker nests in Minnesota
NRRI’s Avian Ecology Lab <https://nrri.umn.edu/research/avian-ecology-lab>is reaching out to birders, naturalists, and amateur ornithologists to help
locate nesting cavities of Pileated Woodpeckers across Minnesota.
The Pileated Woodpecker is a keystone species in our forests. The cavities
they create provide critical habitat for many other wildlife species. By
documenting where they are nesting, we can better understand their habitat
use and help inform conservation and forest management.
You can help us by reporting potential nest cavities!
Location (GPS coordinates or a pinned map location)
-
Photos of the cavity and surrounding habitat, if possible
-
Notes on activity (e.g., feeding behavior, presence of young, signs of
predation, or when the nest becomes inactive)
Where to look:
Pileated Woodpeckers typically nest in large trees that are dead or have
signs of decay. Nest cavities are large, round or slightly oval openings,
unlike the rectangular holes they create while foraging.
Please observe ethically:
Always keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Lab members may follow up with additional questions. In some cases, we may
also coordinate visits to confirmed nest sites in the fall, after nesting
is complete.
If you have questions or would like to share this with your community, feel
free to reach out.
Thank you for helping us better understand and conserve this important
species.
