For The Birds

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...