The UC Hopland Research & Extension Center, located in southeast Mendocino County, has over 150 birds species observed over the last sixty years.   The Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is one of the common resident bird species.  This bird, living in family units called clans, is very abundant around the headquarters area.

Dr. Walter Koenig, who wrote the book "The Acorn Woodpecker" based upon his PhD research at the UCB Hasting Biological Field Station once made the statement upon visiting UC Hopland REC ..."My God! I thought Hastings has a lot of acorn woodpeckers!"

These birds, dressed in their plumage of white and black and red, with a bright white eye, always reminds me of birds dressed in clown suits.