Pesky woodpecker leaves future of iconic flagpole in Quebec up in the air
Global News
Officials from the town of Baie-D'Urfé say they are examining their options, which include repairing or replacing the historic 55-year-old flagpole.
The fate of the tallest flagpole East of Parliament Hill is up in the air all thanks to a woodpecker, according to officials in the town of Baie-D’Urfé.
The massive flag that once flew on the Bertold Park flagpole has been taken down for safety concerns.
The culprit behind the city’s decision returns on a daily basis. A male pileated woodpecker has been wreaking havoc lately.
Considered one of the largest woodpecker species in North America; the bird has been pecking away at the 55-year-old B.C. fir log flagpole, leaving significant craters in the wood.
The damage left behind from the bird’s foraging is cause for concern, forcing city officials to remove the flag and erect a safety perimeter until the structural integrity of the pole is tested.
Officials from the town of Baie-D’Urfé would not comment but said in a statement that they are examining their options, which include either “repairing or replacing the historic flagpole.”
READ MORE: ‘Beautiful’: Baie-D’Urfé replaces Canadian flag tattered by harsh Quebec winter
“It’s a gorgeous bird and when the sun shines on its crest, it’s even nicer,” Baie-D’Urfe resident Barbara MacDuff said.
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