ROCKPORT, Mass. — The small town of Rockport, with its deep-rooted history of repelling invaders during the War of 1812 by using rocks and homemade slings, is currently defending itself against a rather unique adversary. But this time, it’s not foreign soldiers; it’s a determined pileated woodpecker causing a stir among the residents.
In recent weeks, the bird has caused significant damage, smashing over two dozen car mirrors and a side window in its relentless campaign. Instead of rocks, the residents have wielded household items like trash bags and towels to cover their car mirrors, hoping to deter the persistent pecking.
Yet, despite the destruction, the community is exhibiting humor and patience. Ben Favaloro, a long-time resident, enjoys the woodpecker’s antics. “Everyone finds it amusing,” he admits. “No one wants to harm the creature. The bird is always welcome here.”
Having called Rockport home for nearly forty years, Favaloro is no stranger to the occasional woodpecker sightings around town. However, witnessing them attack glass is novel. Initially, many thought a neighborhood child had perhaps been pressing the mirrors down, but Favaloro’s sister-in-law soon spotted the bird on his truck, vigorously pecking at the mirror.
While pileated woodpeckers are sizable at approximately 21 inches in height, making them capable of breaking mirrors, it’s an unusual sight according to Pamela Hunt, a senior avian conservation biologist. “Lots of birds react aggressively to mirror reflections,” she explains, “but woodpeckers typically aren’t known for this behavior.”
The bird’s actions could be attributed to defending its territory during its mating season, Hunt suggests. Rockport resident Barbara Smith is open to welcoming “many little woodpeckers” should the bird find a mate, albeit with less destructive tendencies. “Woodpeckers will do what they do,” she asserts with a good-natured chuckle. “Good luck to the woodpecker.”
For Favaloro, the woodpecker and its newfound fame offer the townsfolk a lighthearted reprieve from the usual events of the world. “This lovely town of Rockport is incredibly safe,” he comments. “This unusual event is perhaps the town’s most noteworthy incident in years. It’s quite humorous but also enjoyable.”