Small, but larger than a Downy Woodpecker, The Red-cockaded is not hard to identify. The large white check patch stands out as the best field mark. Vocal and active the birds are easy to locate. The red "cockades" on the head are rarely visiable.
Here are directions to my "sure things" spot for them. Follow the directions to Jones State Forest. Go west on FM 1488 about one mile to the second road on the left. This is the first paved road on the left. Right after you turn onto this road turn left onto the first dirt road. Just before you get to the T intersection on this road park and walk to the T. Turn left and go about 200 yards to the nest trees (they are marked with green rings of paint) on the west side of the road. The woodpeckers will be along in a minute. At this spot I've had 6 species of woodpecker in my field of view.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers can be seen at several sights in the Big Thicket National Preserve and Sam Houston National Forest. See Edward Kutac's Birder's Guide to Texas for directions.
Last updated 2/15//96