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.”