‘Yaffler’ is the term used to describe the Green Woodpecker in Norfolk. It aptly describes its call.
As we walked through a churchyard in south Norfolk a couple of weeks ago in search of dragonflies I heard the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker. Not distantly echoing from some far corner of a wood but close; just the other side of a holly bush. We froze. I slowly turned and raised the camera. It was imperative not to make any sudden movement. I peered around the holly until I could see the verdant green plumage in the viewfinder and pressed the shutter release.
So aware are these wily creatures that the sound of the camera intruded upon proceedings. Away he flew.
Letter From Norfolk 