Friday, May 1, 2009

RED-ON-RED


I've been keeping an eye out, hoping that leucistic cowbird will put in another appearance, so the fluttering white at the base of the red maple really caught my attention. But it wasn't the cowbird, it was a handsome male red-headed woodpecker. It was getting ready to rain, so the light isn't great, but there he is. I spill seed there for the pair of mallards who still come, but our timing isn't always in sync, and the crowd of other birds hoover it up before the ducks get there. I hope the woodpecker will bring the missus next time; I've never seen a female.

12 comments:

wispy willow said...

Woodpeckers are such gorgeous birds! I could learn to love them if only we weren't pulled from sleep about 6:00 every morning by two of them rat-a-tat-tatting on the side of our home. We are beginning to have the making of some pretty good holes. Blasted buggers are making a giant bird house out of my humble abode.

Great Grandma Lin said...

caryn post is too funny, i guess woodpeckers are fun at a distance and if your house isn't made of wood.

bobbie said...

I am enjoying your woodpecker -

But I am also enjoying hte fact that there are now 2 - count 'em - 2 chicks in the Hornby Island nest! I have pictures to prove it.

Kat Mortensen said...

From the first photo I thought the woodpecker was huge, but then I saw the shot with the dove and it put it all in perspective.
Good catch! Is that the breakwater wall right behind?

Kat

Ruth said...

I saw my first red-headed WP at Pelee this past weekend. I was surprised at how small it was. I had a good 10 minute look at it when it sat high in a treetop. How exciting to see one at your feeder!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Deb, I love the Red-headed Woodpeckers. I have only seen one --and that was last Summer. I hope to see them this summer.. They are one of the prettiest woodpeckers I think.

Have a wonderful week. I'll post one more time in the morning--but then I'll be gone for about 9 days.

Hugs,
Betsy

Sylvia K said...

Great shots of that red-headed woodpecker! What a colorful guy he is!

Kim said...

Deborah, you are a lucky duck to have one of those in your yard!!!! I have been searching for one around here but they don't come around much. Such a pretty bird.

Flying Solo said...

You are funny :)

Cloudia said...

You have a way with them!
aloha

magiceye said...

great capture!

Quiet Paths said...

I bet you were tickled to see him. I have Pileated woodpeckers stop by our yard but they never stick around. And I am not that fast with the lens.