It is a satisfaction during the cold or stormy winter nights
to know he is warm and cosy there in his retreat. When the day is bad
and unfit to be abroad in; he is there too. When I wish to know if he
is at home, I go and rap upon his tree, and, if he is not too lazy or
indifferent, after some delay he shows his head in his round doorway
about ten feet above, and looks down inquiringly upon me--sometimes
latterly I think half resentfully, as much as to say, "I would thank
you not to disturb me so often." After sundown, he will not put his
head out any more when I call, but as I step away I can get a glimpse
of him inside looking cold and reserved. He is a late riser,
especially if it is a cold or disagreeable morning, in this respect
being like the fowls; it is sometimes near nine o'clock before I see
him leave his tree. On the other hand, he comes home early, being in
if the day is unpleasant by four P. M. He lives all alone; in this
respect I do not commend his example. Where his mate is I should like
to know.
I have discovered several other woodpeckers in adjoining orchards, each
of which has a like home and leads a like solitary life.
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