The woodpecker is the quintessential bird of the forest. Because the five woodpecker species on Whidbey Island don’t migrate much, they can be seen in the forests year around. The woodpecker’s role is vital for a healthy and diverse forest environment, according to a recent Whidbey Audubon Society news release.

The organization will host wildlife photographer Paul Bannick at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Highway 525. Bannick will explore the value of a diverse forest for woodpeckers and how other animals benefit from their work. Through images, sounds and stories, Bannick describes each species and its effect on the trees and habitats they favor, as well as their impact on other birds.

Whidbey Audubon’s monthly general meeting and program are free and open to the public. Held at the Unitarian church, socializing begins at 7 p.m. The meeting and program will follow.

Bannick is an international award-winning wildlife photographer whose work has been published in publications from National Geographic and Smithsonian to the New York Times and Audubon Magazine. His first book, “The Owl and the Woodpecker,” remains one of the best-selling bird books in North America. He will bring a copy of his second book, “Woodpeckers of North America” to Thursday’s meeting.