Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are pale, medium-sized woodpeckers common in forests . Their strikingly barred backs and gleaming red caps make them an unforgettable sight – just resist the temptation to call them Red-headed Woodpeckers, a somewhat rarer species that's mostly black on the back with big white wing patches.
Size & Shape
A sleek, round-headed woodpecker, about the same size as a Hairy Woodpecker but without the blocky outlines.
Color Pattern
Often appears pale overall, even the boldly black-and-white striped back, with flashing red cap and nape. Look for white patches near the wingtips as this bird flies.
Behavior
Look for Red-bellied Woodpeckers hitching along branches and trunks of medium to large trees, picking at the bark surface more often than drilling into it. Like most woodpeckers, these birds have a characteristic undulating flight pattern.
Habitat
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are common in many woodlands and forests, from old stands of oak and hickory to young hardwoods and pines. They will also often venture from forests to appear at backyard feeders. Keep an eye out for this species in eastern woodlands all year round, particularly at middle heights and along main branches and trunks of trees. It pays to learn the bird’s calls, too: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are loud and call frequently during spring and summer.
Crosswinds Marsh is one of the largest man-made wetlands in the country. It was built to replace the wetlands that were paved over to expand Wayne County's Detroit Metro Airport (the McNamara terminal). Wayne County, together with Sumpter Township, purchased over 900 acres of farmland that believe it or not, was once wetland that had been converted into farm fields by draining the land...in a process that took over a year. They flooded former farm fields, planted new wetland plants and transplanted endangered species from metro Airport. The area is managed by the Wayne County Parks.
Remember, this is a marsh....If you are intending to hunt for the caches or explore the trails, please come prepared with boots/old shoes (not sandals or flip-flops), long pants, and insect repellent. This time of year in the woods of South Eastern Michigan there is poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes a plenty! Due to the changing seasons in Michigan, the D/T may vary at different times of the year.
The Cache is a large sized lock & lock hidden along the Woodpecker Loop Trail in the typical fashion. As always, please use stealth and return the cache to it's original location.
Crosswinds Marsh Rules
No fires
No bikes / ATVs / personal watercraft
No swimming or ice fishing
Dogs must be leashed
No alcohol or illegal substances
No camping
Fishing in designated areas only
Collecting of plants & animals prohibited
Park only at N 42 05.744 W 83 26.552
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is free.