The Feeder Feed: Wild Red-head Edition

Posted on 12 May 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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.
Red-headed Woodpecker

The wary Red-headed Woodpecker.

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Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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9 Responses to The Feeder Feed: Wild Red-head Edition

  2. EWTN Rocks says:
    12 May 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Absolutely beautiful bird.

  3. Charles E Flynn says:
    12 May 2011 at 10:36 PM

    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.

  4. joanofarcfan says:
    12 May 2011 at 10:37 PM

    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.

  5. wanda says:
    12 May 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Beautiful. I’m so glad you got to see him. What a thrill. Thank you for these happy sights.

  6. teaguytom says:
    12 May 2011 at 11:38 PM

    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.

  7. EWTN Rocks says:
    12 May 2011 at 11:57 PM

    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!

  8. Patti Day says:
    13 May 2011 at 9:47 AM

    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?

  9. irishgirl says:
    13 May 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Beautiful bird-I love the red feathers on its head!

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