StettlerLocal.com March 8, 7:09 am
The Big Valley Historical Society is facing some expensive repairs, thanks to a pileated wocker.
The bird made the first of several destructive visits to the building around February 16 of this year.
Damages it has inflicted so far could be as high as $2,000 to $3,000.
The bird usually visits during the day and resists efforts to permanently scare it away.
"We've tried owls and a spray deterrent that was recommended," says society member Tanya Plante. "Then we added wind chimes, and started hanging shiny objects such as CDs."
Despite these actions, the woodpecker continues to frequent the building.
The society is in a tight spot with the damages because the building has a historical designation.
"We have just paid in excess of $100,000 to have the building re-shingled and painted," says Plante. "Our funds are extremely limited and the grants that might have been available are no longer there."
Plante says insurance may cover the repairs if the damage exceeds the policy's deductible.
In the meantime, with little recourse available, the society hopes the bird will decide to leave of its own accord.
UPDATED: March 27, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
The article originally stated the bird was a sapsucker, but it has since been identified as a pileated woodpecker.
The Big Valley Historical Society completed $6,200 worth of repairs to the building. The bird stayed away while repairs were underway, and the BVHS hopes it's gone for good.
"That, however, remains to be seen," says society member Tanya Plante. "We are visiting up there more often and hope to be able to keep him away. Fingers crossed."
