Myrtus

Crazy Bird or Nature Gone Awry?

For the second day in a row, I woke up to a consistent ticking sound that seems to come and go with short intervals. It sounded like it was coming from the empty apartment straight above me.

Somewhat alarmed, I went to listen to it in the hallway where it sounded even louder. So I was contemplating whether I should call the management office to see if it's a case of pipes about to burst.

Meanwhile I had to take my dog out for the usual morning walk, while I was still thinking about what to say to describe this nuisance.

On the way back from the walk, I started hearing this ticking sound again from about 30 feet distance while approaching my apartment. Walking slowly, eyes wide open, I tried to zero in on the source of this sound.....and lo and behold, what caught my eye?

A woodpecker pecking on the solid cement wall!

Crazy, no?

But wait! The apartment facade has been given a fresh paint job recently and part of it was painted light brown to enhance the aesthetics of the apartment complex. Ha! I'd say the woodpecker doesn't know the difference between a tree and a solid cement block, and has terrible taste buds or else the poor thing is seriously confused.

Update:

Hey I just learned something new!  Much thanks to my bird expert friend Herma van Gerner for sharing this info: Apparently woodpeckers tend to peck for 3 different reasons with different soundbites/strokes, (1) for food, (2) for mating, (3) for marking their territories. If it's a fast rythmic sound (as was the case with my woodpecker), it's marking it's territory. Apparently it's not at all unusual for them to peck on brick walls. In fact they prefer pecking on strong objects that help amplify soundbites. 

iPad Only Schools - The Steve Jobs Education Vision

Get ready for the world to change in ways we have never imagined before. Steve Jobs schools are here!

Say goodbye to school supplies, no need for backpacks, books, chalkboards, laptops and maybe even teachers.

The first Dutch primary schools based on the digital education principles devised by Apple founder Steve Jobs have opened their doors to pupils. In total, 11 Steve Jobs primary schools are set to open nationwide this academic year. Each child at a Steve Jobs school will be given an iPad at the age of four and allowed to decide what and when to learn. Teachers take the role of coaches rather than lesson-givers. IPads and educational apps will replace books. - See more here.