BirdNote Daily Letter to a Pileated Woodpecker
Jan 21, 2026
J. Drew Lanham, an ornithologist, naturalist, and writer dedicated to bird conservation, reads a heartfelt letter to a Pileated Woodpecker. He explores the challenges of misidentification with its close cousin, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Lanham reflects on societal assumptions about appearance and expresses admiration for the woodpecker's wild calls, which enliven suburban landscapes. With a nod to the importance of identity, he critiques outdated names and shares well wishes for the bird, infusing his message with care and humor.
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A Personal Letter To A Woodpecker
- J. Drew Lanham writes a personal letter addressed to a Pileated Woodpecker, blending humor and tenderness.
- He shares feelings about its name confusion and how its call transforms suburban woodlots into wild places.
Mistaken Identity Masks Distinctness
- Lanham highlights how the Pileated's size and appearance cause recurring misidentification with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
- He notes that such mistaken identity can overshadow the Pileated's own distinct identity and presence.
Birdsong Transforms Place
- Lanham observes that the Pileated's calls can make suburban woodlots feel like faraway wildness.
- He implies that a single species' presence can transform human perception of a place.