Do you recognize this lonely bird? He’s working hard, pecking at the bark of the Douglas fir, hoping to find some insect hiding inside. It was a bit far to zoom the camera and hope for a clear picture of him as he moved so fast, his beak working like a mini jack hammer, but maybe you can see how far he has dug into the bark. Must be something really good in there.
But what a surprise to find out today that he is lonely no longer! Yes, he has found his true love. She’s working hard too and he’s keeping an eye on her.
Notice the vertical white streak on his wings. I’ve learned that this is the only species of woodpecker to have the vertical white stripe, so that’s a positive identification for the red-breasted sapsucker.
“Do you like redheads?” she asks coyly.
“My favourite kind of girl. Would you like to go to the Christmas tree party with me? There are always lots of hors d’oevres at tree parties. You just help yourself and pick away at the food.”
“Sounds delish! Where’s the party?”
“Over at Anneli’s. Her place is for the birds. Always lots of guests at her parties. No fly-by-night birds invited in the daytime.”
“I’d love to go, as long as I’m home before dark. I’ve heard about her parties. Things get a bit owly there after dark.”
December 17, 2016 at 4:15 pm
Lucky you.
Woodpeckers are few and far between in my area. Grin.. woodpeckers don’t like living in our near treeless grasslands.
P.S. cold front arrived temps in the teens and lower, chill factors -5 to -15. Not that cold if you live in North Dakota, but for a flat land Oklahoma boy, It’s Cold!!
Happy Holidays
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December 17, 2016 at 4:46 pm
I think these birds are smart enough to leave when winter sets in on the prairies. I know it can get darn cold there. I was feeling sorry for the birds these past days but it’s not anything like winter in the interior.
Happy holidays to you too!
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December 17, 2016 at 4:19 pm
I assume they were pretty noisy.
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December 17, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Not at all. They make a quiet queeee sound and even the pecking is quiet, compared to other woodpeckers. But they happened to fly onto the big fir right in front of the house, so I noticed them.
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December 17, 2016 at 4:21 pm
[ Smiles ] Those two woodpeckers are adorable!
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December 17, 2016 at 4:39 pm
I agree. I love to see them in our trees.
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December 17, 2016 at 4:25 pm
I hope they leave some food for latecomer guests!
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December 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Yes, I’m sure they will. Most of the guests want their snacks served up in a dish. These guys will eat the snacks right at the source.
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December 17, 2016 at 4:34 pm
So sweet, Anneli !! Nice photos. Not sure if Nevada has woodpeckers but there are none down in our valley.
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December 17, 2016 at 4:43 pm
They really are, John. I love seeing them. They’re kind of special. Not many around here, so it’s a treat to see them.
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December 17, 2016 at 4:47 pm
Those are pretty! I hope they have a good winter!
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December 17, 2016 at 4:48 pm
I like their colours. Sure hope they make it through the winter.
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December 17, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Love the shots Anneli…
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December 17, 2016 at 6:43 pm
Thanks, David.
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December 17, 2016 at 5:43 pm
If I were a bird, I’d love to visit your home, Anneli. 🙂 Great photos!
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December 17, 2016 at 6:43 pm
Usually lots to eat here. I like seeing the birds around so I try to have it a bird friendly environment.
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December 17, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Haha. Can’t believe you made a story out of these birds. Great shots!
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December 17, 2016 at 6:45 pm
My mother always told me the birds are talking and if you listen carefully you can hear what they’re saying. 😉
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December 17, 2016 at 7:26 pm
My grandmother believes that too 🙂
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December 17, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Can’t hurt to believe!
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December 17, 2016 at 8:19 pm
Oh my! I am still groaning from that one! Ha ha ha…in a good way though. Your interpretive skills are amazing. 😀 hee hee… Great photos, and a nice little story too!
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December 17, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Love in the treetops, eh?
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December 18, 2016 at 1:03 am
A very pretty couple, I would love to see their babies next spring!
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December 18, 2016 at 8:04 am
Wouldn’t that be nice!!!
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December 18, 2016 at 5:48 am
Lovely bird tale Anneli. Happy Holidays!
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December 18, 2016 at 8:04 am
Thank you, Belinda. Merry Christmas to you too.
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December 18, 2016 at 2:58 pm
A happy story–and beautiful birds! You have that knack for bird photos!!!!
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December 18, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Thanks, Luanne. If only they would hold still.
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December 18, 2016 at 3:15 pm
I can never get a shot through the branches!
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December 18, 2016 at 6:55 pm
And the trouble with branches, the camera focuses on the branches and then the bird behind it is blurry.
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December 18, 2016 at 7:15 pm
That is just what happens to me. It’s so disappointing.
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December 18, 2016 at 9:44 pm
Sweet 🙂
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December 18, 2016 at 10:46 pm
Thank you, Raili.
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December 22, 2016 at 9:33 pm
I love Woodpeckers. I rarely ever spot them around where I live..
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December 23, 2016 at 8:20 am
Same here. We see them occasionally, but it’s always a treat to see them.
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December 24, 2016 at 10:37 pm
Aww, such good news to have the confirmation about vertical lines on the wings. Certainly helps to be able to identify the bird species, Anneli.
The red head has captured a mate and he doesn’t have to dig so deeply into the tree in lonely frustration. 😉 You bird conversations always leave me chuckling! Hope you have fun over the holidays!
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December 24, 2016 at 11:00 pm
Thanks, Robin. I was happy to see these guys.
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