“The little alien is back.” The male green woodpecker, the largest species of Britain’s three. Photograph: Simon Ingram
A flash of green and red against the lawn’s matt white stubble: striking colours at any time of year, startling at this one. It’s December, and the little alien is back.
This male green woodpecker, the largest species of Britain’s three, has been visiting the garden for three years now. By that, I mean he has visited three times, each within the same calendar fortnight.
We presume it’s the same bird, of course. We’ve discussed a name, too, though this particular bird doesn’t need any more of those. Yockel, Yappingale, Laughing Betsy – all rural appellations referencing the cacophonous, cackling call. He also has a spot, about 20 metres from the house.