I was at the oars today, writing. I have a good view of the feeders. As I was working, I caught out of the corner of my eye a shape and set of colors that grabbed my attention and … slowly… I went for the camera.
Only once did I see him here, last year, I think. First, time this year.
He is coming in and picking up nuts and then flying away in the same direction each time. Hopefully he is stashing or nesting nearby.
Behold: Melanerpes erythrocephalus.
The wary Red-headed Woodpecker.
Coat of Arms by D Burkart
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Beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful bird.
Here are some of the “interesting facts” about this species from iBird Explorer Pro:
The Red-headed Woodpecker forages for food rather than excavate holes to find insects.
It is the only woodpecker that covers its cache of food with bark or wood. Grasshoppers are stored alive, wedged so tightly in a crevice escape is impossible.
A group of woodpeckers has many collective nouns, including a “descent”, “drumming”, and “gatling” of woodpeckers.
Growing up in central Wis, I’d see these all the time. But for some reason they disappeared. Same with the Bob White. And I haven’t heard a Whip-poor-will in a while either. These were dramatic birds and I miss them. I’m glad you have one around. I feared extinction.
Beautiful. I’m so glad you got to see him. What a thrill. Thank you for these happy sights.
I read the post and was thinking Lindsay Lohan came parading through the farm but she is now bleach blonde. Could have pummeled her with blessed salt but anyhow its nice to see this critter. I’ve only seen one once or twice and they are quite big compared to the downys.
teaguytom, you said, “I read the post and was thinking Lindsay Lohan came parading through the farm but she is now bleach blonde. Could have pummeled her with blessed salt but anyhow its nice to see this critter” – it’s been 5 minutes and I still can’t stop laughing!
joanofarcfran: I haven’t heard a whiporwill in several years myself, but I did hear a mockingbird doing a beautiful imitation as part of his reportoire. I wonder where he learned it?
Beautiful bird-I love the red feathers on its head!