Drumming up the wrong tree

A number of electricity poles are due to be replaced in the Cornafean area after sustaining small oval-shaped holes, the result of wildlife-related damage.

An ESB spokesperson confirmed the damage has been caused by woodpeckers, and a number of planned outages will be required to facilitate the replacement work safely.

Living in the area, Therese Johnston heard woodpeckers for the first time a few months ago, however initially thought it was her neighbour working in the garden.

As the drumming sound continued, small holes started to appear on a utility pole near her Coronea home.

“There was great excitement about the woodpecker coming into our area,” she recalled, after establishing that her neighbour was not doing extensive DIY work. While she understands some are “less impressed” with the appearance of woodpeckers, as a nature enthusiast, Therese is thrilled to have them coming to her garden.

“It’s always exciting when you have something new in your area,” she said, however she admits she didn’t realise they could be “so destructive”.

Meanwhile, Tom Broe from the Cavan Branch of Birdwatch Ireland explained the aim of drumming is to establish a territory and attract a mate, usually heard during early spring, while they may also be trying to disturb insects beneath the tree bark. While they typically nest in cavities, which they have extracted in dead trees, Tom said there have been reports of woodpeckers drumming on utility poles in Ireland.

This is a “new issue” for the country due to the recent colonisation of great spotted woodpeckers here, however Tom notes the problem is “well-recognised” in countries with established woodpeckers populations. Power companies have had to come up with solutions like using poles made of other materials or wrapping mesh around them.

“Ireland is among the countries in the European Union with low levels of tree cover and it is possible this might contribute to their use of utility poles,” said Tom.

“If you live close to a wooded area and feed birds in the winter, then there is a good chance you will draw them into your garden,” he added.

The ESB spokesperson said customers will receive advance notice of any interruptions, and outages are being carefully scheduled to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank customers in Cornafean and surrounding areas for their patience and cooperation,” they said.

Asked how many utility poles are due to be replaced resulting from this issue, the spokesperson stated: “Woodpecker activity is not unique to the Cornafean area, and electricity poles are regularly assessed as part of ESB Networks’ ongoing inspection and maintenance programme.”