Holes in tree trunk

[mjulian]

Can anyone help me solve this whodunnit please? Two holes - one about an inch and a half diameter and the other about half an inch - have appeared at the top of the trunk of a flowering cherry tree. The larger hole goes in about 4 inches and is completely smooth and round - as if a person had drilled and planed it. We have noticed a woodpecker on the lawn over the last few weeks BUT, seriously, could a woodpecker make such a completely round, even and smooth hole? I also thought about woodworm, wood beetles but, again, could they make such a hole? Any answers gratefully appreciated.

[burnhal]

Sounds like a woodpecker. Which type do you have? Judging by the hole size it is probably a greater spotted? It may be digging a nest hole though might hav expected it to be finished by now. Are there a load of chippings under the tree?

[burnhal]

Firther to that- saw a woddpecker hole cut open when an old tree was chopped down- the inside was amazingly smooth- tunnel curving down to a beautuifully carved out nest chamber