The weekend was pretty quiet for us. Hubby was catching up on some much needed sleep after working such long hours helping to restore power in our county. So, I chose a quiet activity by picking up my camera and heading to my window overlooking the back where I feed the birds.
I had decided to quit putting out suet because it was just attracting the starlings like crazy, so I doubled up on cracked corn with some sunflower seeds mixed in. The birds were really out in full force the last couple of days and I was delighted to see a couple of Red Headed Woodpeckers in the mix. They are my very favorite woodpecker. I love the bold red, white and black colors. Did you know that they are also referred to as a "flying checkerboard"?
It was cloudy for most of the shots above and my windows are still dirty, but I was thrilled to get a chance to snap this beauty.
He seems to be looking right at me in this photo. Actually he did fly away several times when he saw me get close to the window and I had to be as quick as I could with my slow camera to even get a shot. Like most birds, he wouldn't sit still for long. I call him "he" but he might be a "she" as they both look alike. That was a little tidbit I learned when I bought my first bird book long ago.
The Red Headed Woodpecker population has severely declined in the past half century due to habitat loss and changes in their food supply. I will do what I can to keep food out for these little beauties and for all of my feathered friends, especially during the cold, winter months. Hope your weekend was a good one. Happy Monday to you!
Until next time...
32 comments:
Oh, you are so lucky!!! I think I would have a coronary if I saw one!!! I'd be so excited!!! You did a great job getting shots through your window...I know how hard that is! I have tried before. Then I end up going outside and they fly away. :(
Lucky you to see him so close. I love these beautiful birds, too and I occasionally see one at my feeders, but they don't hang around long enough for me to get a photo.
Hugs,
Laura
what a gorgeous bird. love it in the snow. ( :
Morning Cheryl, love those pictures, such a handsome bird....Lucky you to enjoy them, none here, Blessings Francine.
What beautiful photos!
be glad you can't hear me, i am singing isn't he lovely... and he is
Good morning Cheryl....these are some great pictures and I am so impressed with the rich colors of these birds. Gorgeous
How beatiful that little guy is and your photo does him justice.
Strikingly handsome bird! You did a great job capturing him.
Gorgeous photos!!!!
You and me both, have slow cameras. :-)
Rest! Good weekend!!!
Hugs...
That's a beauty. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.
What a handsome bird and great shots you got. Love those bold colors.I have never seen one and now know what I am missing.
They are such beautiful birds; they look like their coats are velvet......You did well capturing these through a window.....
i LOVE these guys! used to see them in wisconsin all the time. never see them anymore in texas.
Oh, Cheryl, I love your pictures!
The Red-headed are the prettiest (I think) of all of the woodpeckers. Love their color scheme. That guy must be cold because he is all fluffy!!!!
Our Red-headeds disappear during the winter but are usually back in the spring/summer. SO gorgeous.
Great photos.
Hugs,
Betsy
Cheryl how exciting and you got some great pictures! CH saw our two Red Heads this weekend too. I don't know if they stayed all winter or just came in. We moved our feeders down to the woods and I only have a 70-300 so I can't get good shots of the birds. I have yet to see the Red Headeds but CH saw them all weekend. They are such polite woodpeckers.. :) Hope you are enjoying our MissouREE sunshine today! Now if we could just get rid of all this white stuff!
oooohhhhh Cheryl, what an exciting sighting!! A beautiful bird I don't see in these parts! Your images are stunning!
I have never seen a red headed woodpecker. It sure is a beautiful bird! I'm glad you captured it.
Beautiful.. he OR she!! We have them, but certainly not nearly as plentiful as cardinals and the other regulars. They certainly show up.. gorgeous! I have more sunflower seeds on order as our local store ran out.. yikes! I have enough for one or two more feedings and that is it. This concerns me - I know you will understand :) Thanks for sharing! -Tammy
What wonderful photos. His head looks like velvet! I hope it warms up some this week! We had a chilly weekend, too but it's nice today! Hugs!
Nice shots of the woodpecker. I get way too many starlings at my feeders. Maybe I should consider switching what I put out
Those red headed wood peckers are so handsome. Those are terrific pictures. I can't have bird feeders here since I have too many cats. I love to watch the birds. Good to meet you and thanks for coming by our blog.
Hi Cheryl~
What beautiful birds! We don't have such pretty birds in Idaho - I think it's just too darn cold!! They kind of remind me of a Magpie with a red hat on! I am so looking forward to Spring, and hearing the song birds in the trees!
Hugs,
Barb
How awesome! I've only had one come to the feeder once, I do love the look of them.
Wow, these are beautiful pictures. I have never seen a picture of the red, white and black woodpeckers.
You are blessed to have these beautiful creatures in your yard.
Blessings!
Oh Cheryl, what a beautiful bird you caught! Wowsa!
i just love those cute guys!
thanks a lot for sharing:)
big hugs~
Beautiful little red heads for sure. I dont see them here. I think I'll get one of those peanut feeders.
Your red headed woodpecker really is amazing! I'm not sure I've ever seen one like that.
What a beautiful bird! I'm so glad you feed them.
I've seen mainly magpies here, and I look forward to spring when all the different birds begin to appear.
Gorgeous birds to see in their natural habitat. Beautiful captures Cheryl.
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