Fermanagh birdwatching Great Spotted Woodpecker observed

The distinct bird known for his 'pecking' noise was observed in Legmacaffry, Newtownbutler by Ingrid Van-Veen.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker in Newtownbutler

Recalling the story of her discovery of the woodpecker, Ingrid said: "For some time I heard some pecking noise at Legmacaffry, Newtownbutler. I couldn’t figure out where it came from. Then on a quiet mild Sunday I was sitting outside on my garden bench, enjoying a glass of wine while the sun was setting, and I was surprised to find out it was actually a woodpecker that landed on our birdfeeder and I shouted to my husband, 'We have a woodpecker!"

Ingrid explained that the bird has been back in Northern Ireland only in recent years.She said: "The Great Spotted Woodpeckers have been back in Northern Ireland for about ten years - their recolonisation of Ireland is probably a consequence of very strong population increases in Great Britain, though they are still quite rare."

Ingrid's garden is thriving with birds and wildlife, she continued: "We started planting trees around our estate 15 years ago and we found that more and more wildlife is coming in and we have about every garden bird in our garden you can find. Sometimes we say 'it's like a landing strip here."

Calling on more to be done to support wildlife, Ingrid said: "However, if we want to restore our forestry and wildlife the government should do far more for farmers that decide to go that way in helping to restore our environment.

She concluded: "Though we don’t regret having it done, we have received very little support in an era were the environment should be top priority for every government."