Woodpecker, Red-headed***
Description: This is one of two visible woodpecker species with red highlights on its head. Oak woodland restoration has helped to increase their numbers in recent years. It is most often seen in McDonald Woods.
Woodpecker, Red-bellied***
Description: This is one of two visible woodpecker species with red highlights on its head. It is more common than the red-headed woodpecker. Look for this species in the McDonald Woods or at bird feeders in winter.
Woodpecker, Pileated
Description: The largest and rarest woodpecker at the Garden may be spotted in the McDonald Woods.
Woodpecker, Hairy***
Description: This year-round Garden resident is most often found in the McDonald Woods or Barbara Brown Nature Reserve.
Woodpecker, Downy***
Description: The most common year-round woodpecker at the Garden is frequently spotted-especially in the McDonald Woods and Barbara Brown Nature Reserve.
Even on the coldest day in winter, you might see or hear a Downy Woodpecker give its whinnylike call in the woods at the Garden. This hardy, adaptable bird is built to get food left by other birds that leave town for the winter.
Woodcock, American
Description: This elusive, medium-sized shorebird is known for its distinctive courtship flights at dusk in early May. It can be seen on the ground in wet woodland areas.
Wood-Pewee, Eastern***
Description: Look for this woodland-nesting flycatcher in the McDonald Woods or in the Barbara Brown Nature Reserve.
In summer, seek the shelter of the trees' shade in McDonald Woods at the Garden. Have a seat on one of the benches and listen for the pewee, a bird much more easily heard than seen. Even on a warm summer day, the eastern wood-pewee sings his melancholy refrain. "Pee-a-wee. Pee-er. Pee-a-wee."
Willet
Description: If spotted, this rare visitor would likely be on a large lawn area or along a lake shore.
Wigeon, American
Description: This duck may be seen on the lakes, but it does not dive.
Whippoorwill
Description: A member of the goat-sucker family, this cryptic woodland bird is known for its distinctive call at night. It roosts on the ground in the McDonald woods but is difficult to find.