He was gone for 130 years. A rare bird has returned to Poland

On June 10, 2025, Polish ornithologists discovered a nesting hole of the three-toed woodpecker at an altitude of 1070 meters. Initially uncertain about the success of the nesting, researchers later confirmed that the young birds fledged, marking the species' return to the Sudetes after over a century. The last confirmed nesting in the region was in 1896. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and dead wood in forests. The three-toed woodpecker, requiring mature coniferous forests, indicates a healthy ecosystem. Its presence supports biodiversity, as abandoned nests provide shelter for other species. In Poland, the population is estimated at only 1000-1400 pairs, making it near threatened due to habitat loss from human activities.