Woodpecker Widened The Hole In An Existing Wren House

Question From: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Q: We had a woodpecker increase the hole in an existing wren house so that a larger bird (who watched and checked on the work as it was being done) could gain access to the house. It was like he had been contracted to do the work. Is this common?

A: I don't think birds hire worker bees. It is not unusual for woodpeckers to enlarge the holes of a bird house. If you want the woodpecker to use the house add a 2 inch layer of wood chips for a nest liner. They do not do the twig thing. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy