Cycle of Destruction and Renewal: Black-Backed Woodpecker Encounter in Whiteshell Provincial Park

At October 20, 2024
By Niroshan Mirando
In Conservations, Species Watch, Trip Reports
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Woodpecker with larvae (click to enlarge)

Earlier this summer, I was heartbroken as one of my favorite places in Canada, Jasper Town and Jasper National Park suffered devastating forest fires that destroyed a significant part of the town and some of the most beautiful, forested areas, all set against stunning mountain backdrops. Have you ever wondered how wildlife thrives after the devastation of forest fires? Burnt forests become sanctuaries for certain species, among them is the wood-boring beetles, which thrive underneath the burnt trees. These beetles are a crucial player in the forest’s regeneration. As this process continues another species thrives on and attains the full benefits, this is none other than the black-backed woodpecker, a bird that specializes in feeding on wood-boring beetles.

Black-backed Woodpecker (click to enlarge)

In 2018, I was hiking on the south trail of Mantario, Whiteshell Provincial Park, and I came across an area that had been burnt down by a forest fire in 2016. At that moment, I wasn’t aware of the behavior of the black-backed woodpecker, but I noticed a flock of packers going through the burnt trees one by one and picking up insect larvae.

Fortunately, after observing this behavior, I had my telephoto lens with me and started taking pictures. I managed to capture some incredible close-up shots of these woodpeckers in action. Their beaks chipped away at the bark, revealing wood-boring beetle larvae that had taken up residence in the dead wood. It was a fascinating glimpse into the delicate balance between destruction and renewal in the forest ecosystem.

The lighting of that morning was perfect, with soft sunlight filtering through the remaining forest patches, illuminating the scene in a golden hue. It was one of those rare moments where everything aligns with wildlife, light, and opportunity. The resulting images are some of my favorites, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between the black-backed woodpecker and the burnt forest.

Black-backed Woodpecker (click to enlarge)

Looking back, this unexpected encounter gave me a newfound appreciation for nature’s resilience. Even in the aftermath of destruction, life finds a way to adapt, evolve, and thrive. The wood-boring beetle and black-backed woodpecker are a testament to that resilience, turning a charred forest into a thriving hunting ground.

In conclusion, as you navigate through the images published here, my experience with the black-backed woodpeckers in the burnt forest was a profound reminder of nature’s resilience. The devastation caused by the fires in Jasper National Park may seem overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that nature has an incredible ability to heal. Just as the wood-boring beetles and woodpeckers thrive in these seemingly desolate landscapes, new life will eventually emerge from the ashes in Jasper. The cycle of destruction and renewal is an integral part of the forest’s story. Experiencing this process firsthand has given me a deeper appreciation for how wildlife adapts in the face of adversity. Nature, with all its beauty and complexity, always finds a way to move forward.