Florida's national forests are critical habitats for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. In fact, according to the U.S. Forest Service, the birds are doing so well in Florida's forests that juvenile birds are captured each year to be relocated elsewhere in the southeastern United States where woodpecker populations are not so thriving. In the past 20 years, more than 500 birds have been relocated, helping stabilize declining populations in other areas.

Today there are only an estimated 14,000 red-cockaded woodpeckers in the wild, but the population has shown growth in areas where relocated birds are introduced. Another tactic used to encourage population growth is drilling artificial nesting cavities to provide suitable breeding sites with less competition.

The largest recovered population of these endangered woodpeckers, about 1,200 birds, is located in the Apalachicola National Forest near Tallahassee. Have you seen the red-cockaded woodpecker? Share your sightings in the comments!

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
Photo © The U.S. Army

After nearly 40 years on the endangered species list, the brown pelican has officially been removed from that classification, according to the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the change on November 11, though the birds will continue to be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty. Coastal areas with heavy concentrations of brown pelicans will be regularly monitored for toxic pesticides and other activities that could threaten these and other wild birds.

The brown pelican's recovery from the brink of extinction caused by high susceptibility to DDT poisoning is a major success for the Endangered Species Act, which is often criticized for ineffectiveness. From a low of fewer than 10,000 wild birds, there are now more than 600,000 brown pelicans in the wild thanks to conservation efforts and breeding programs.

Is the brown pelican on your life list? Share your sightings in the comments!

Brown Pelicans
Photo © Stig Nygaard

Why did the turkey cross the road? In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they apparently just want to disrupt traffic. According to Lancaster Online, a half dozen wild turkeys are regularly sighted at the busy Columbia Avenue and Donerville Road intersection, where they strut into the street, causing traffic backups. When they're not in the street, the turkeys roost on the roofs of local businesses and patrol nearby parking lots.

Wild turkeys can be aggressive and they will visit backyard feeders, even approaching homes and pecking on doors in search of food. Local police receive several calls a day about the birds in traffic and disrupting businesses, but there is little that can be done except to shoo the birds away. A turkey-stocking program by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation has increased the local wild turkey population, but many of these semi-tame birds may be escapees from pen-raised flocks.

Are wild turkeys a problem in your community? Share your coping tips in the comments!

Wild Turkeys
Photo © Teddy Llovet

This week's featured bird is a little brown job that is more often recognized by its beautiful voice than by its variable markings: the song sparrow. While its plumage can be bold and the stickpin marking on its chest is a key field mark, the more than 30 geographical variations of song sparrows can be confusing. The bird's warbling, chirping song is quite distinct, however, and song sparrows are often found perching in bushes and brush to sing.

How do you recognize song sparrows? Share your tips and sightings in the comments!

Song Sparrow
Photo © Andrew Baksh