Woodpecker invasion wreaks havoc on car mirrors in Rockport

In Rockport, Massachusetts, a small fishing village with a notable historical background, residents have recently found themselves grappling with an unexpected issue: a pileated woodpecker exhibiting destructive behavior. This unusual phenomenon has occurred during the bird's mating season, leading to the bird causing damage by breaking more than two dozen side mirrors and at least one side window of vehicles parked in the area. The incident has drawn significant attention, partly due to the peculiar nature of the woodpecker’s aggression towards reflective surfaces. The townsfolk, who once demonstrated their resistance to British soldiers during the War of 1812 by using their stockings as slings to hurl rocks, now employ creative methods for protecting their vehicles. Instead of taking measures to harm the bird, they are humorously slinging trash bags and towels over their side mirrors as a temporary safeguard against the woodpecker. This approach reflects the community's light-hearted attitude toward the situation, with residents sharing laughs and expressing their fondness for the bird. Ben Favaloro, a local who has lived in the area for nearly four decades, noted that he had observed woodpeckers around but this behavior was entirely new. Initially, he assumed that children in the neighborhood were responsible for the adjustments to the mirrors until he discovered the woodpecker's true role in the damage. Pamela Hunt, a senior biologist for avian conservation at the New Hampshire Audubon, described the woodpecker's actions as “definitely weird,” suggesting that the bird might be reacting aggressively to its reflection, mistaking it for a rival. Residents like Barbara Smith have discussed the possibility of a growing woodpecker population in the vicinity, welcoming the idea of “lots of little woodpeckers,” though they also hope that the young birds will not mirror the destructive tendencies of the current one. The woodpecker situation has garnered media attention, providing residents of Rockport with a light-hearted distraction from pressing global issues, showcasing their community spirit and resilience in the face of an unusual challenge.