A homeowner was gobsmacked when they realised a ‘helper’ had been in their garden – and they managed to capture the moment on camera
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter and Matt LLoyd
15:40, 09 Nov 2025
A gardener was amazed after spotting a woodpecker in their garden (stock)(Image: Getty)
A gardening enthusiast has shared a remarkable video of an unexpected “helper” making himself at home in her garden.
The proud homeowner, known as West Coast Plants on TikTok, was delighted to discover a woodpecker had taken a liking to her outdoor space.
“I had a helper in the garden… this is a beautiful male pileated woodpecker,” she captioned the post.
The striking bird, distinguished by its red cap and red stripe from beak to throat, can be seen in the video happily pecking away at fallen logs.
The brief footage ends with the woodpecker heading straight for a nearby tree to continue his pecking from a loftier perch.
According to the Audubon Society, woodpeckers are referred to as ‘keystone species’ due to their vital role in shaping habitats suitable for other woodland creatures.
Consequently, deserted woodpecker nesting holes often become homes or roosts for small owls and ducks.
The Audubon Society further explains: “Swifts, bluebirds, swallows, wrens, and other birds, as well as many mammals, make use of these holes.
“The snags can become multi-level condominiums for a whole host of wildlife.
“A venerable, dead tree, broken off at the top and perforated with multiple cavities, may actually be one of the most valuable trees in the forest,” reports the Express.
This sighting is particularly extraordinary as people can go for decades without spotting these beautiful birds.
Responding to West Coast Plants’ video, one TikTok user enthused: “They are magnificent creatures.
“I seen a woodpecker that looked like that but he was much bigger in east Oklahoma of all places.
“The only one I’ve EVER seen in 63 years.”
A second person commented: “Omg! This looks like the woodpeckers we had at my grandparents’ when I was growing up in New Mexico!”.
Meanwhile, a third individual remarked: “Those birds are HUGE! And kinda creepy looking.”
West Coast Plants responded: “They are spectacular, though sometime we surprise each other when they are on the vine above our deck, eating berries. I’ll walk under the trellis and then a huge bird flies out. Not sure who’s more startled.”
The RHS states that three species of woodpecker can be found in the UK.
The charity’s website notes: “The great spotted woodpecker is a common sight at garden bird feeders.
“The green woodpecker is shyer, most likely to visit larger gardens particularly those with expansive lawns.
“The lesser spotted woodpecker is in decline and rarely seen.”
The RHS continues: “Woodpeckers are present throughout the year but are particularly active and visible in gardens during spring.
“Keeping bird feeders topped up with peanuts, sunflower seeds and fat balls and leaving dead wood which house wood-boring insects will encourage great spotted woodpeckers into your garden.
“Leaving areas of long grass for ants and insects will also create ideal habitat for the green woodpecker.
“Woodpeckers breed in holes they peck in dead heartwood. Four to six eggs are laid inside between April and June (1-3 clutches per year). They hatch after around two weeks and chicks spend just over three weeks in the nest before fledging.”
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