Lunch with a Scientist – Red-headed Woodpecker Cavity Use

Topic: The ‘hole’ story: woodpecker cavities at Cedar Creek
Presented by: Elena West, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minnesota

Join life-long learners virtually for a monthly lunch and learn series at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (East Bethel, MN). Bring your lunch and hunger for knowledge, we will provide the brain food! Cedar Creek is home to one of the state’s densest breeding populations of red-headed woodpeckers. As primary cavity excavators, these birds change the oak savanna landscape for many other species of birds and mammals. Dr. Elena West will discuss the world of red-headed woodpecker cavities at Cedar Creek and the fascinating behaviors of the species that use them.

The speaker will give a 45-60 minute general audience lecture, then will answer questions from participants using a zoom webinar format. A short registration process is required to virtually attend the webinar, so plan to spend 5-10 minutes ahead of the program making sure you are correctly signed up at z.umn.edu/LWASonline! A list of topics and speakers for the year is available at https://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/lwas