Air is cold, I’m shivering,
Legs so skinny, quivering,
Ants or beetles, if you’re near,
Eating you would bring me cheer.
Not much sap is dripping down,
Though I’ve drilled holes all around,
Maybe though, an ant will scurry,
Running off in such a hurry.
I’ve no chocolate to coat it,
Nature simply won’t promote it,
But the crunchy flavour’s good,
With a hint of fir tree wood.
Watch me skipping round the tree,
Eating ants and bugs with glee,
Little holes, the bark endures,
Graciously, my meal ensures.
I apologize for the background noise of dogs barking and garbage trucks backing up somewhere in the world outside my own little world.

January 16, 2024 at 1:21 pm
No need to ever apologize for dogs barking. I could watch that longer–the bird.
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January 16, 2024 at 1:24 pm
I think the reason he didn’t fly away when I came so close with the camera is that he was a bit hungry with the bitter cold weather we had that day.
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January 16, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Thanks for posting the video of this little guy. It looks like he was finding some food, at least. I’m always amazed at how hardy the smaller birds can be in cold weather. Great poem.
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January 16, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Thanks, Lynette. Yes, I think he was hungry, hence not shy about staying to find more food.
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January 16, 2024 at 1:29 pm
These guys are so pretty and diligent in their work. We saw one in Stanley Park in May. It took me a while to figure out what he was. Thanks for sharing Anneli. Allan
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January 16, 2024 at 4:31 pm
Those woodpeckers are often so similar, it’s not always easy to tell them apart.
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January 16, 2024 at 2:13 pm
What a pretty little thing. There’s a red-headed woodpecker in the neighborhood who searches for food in the same way. It always amazes me that they can find tidbits in winter (and it is winter here — well, well below freezing. We are not amused.)
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January 16, 2024 at 4:28 pm
Haha. “We are not amused” up here either. I misnamed this woodpecker a few years ago when I did a post about it. I called it a red-headed woodpecker (and I know there is such a thing), but this one is not it. Definitely a sapsucker. You probably do have the red-headed woodpecker where you are.
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January 16, 2024 at 2:14 pm
What a pretty and hard working bird. Your poem is delightful, Anneli!
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January 16, 2024 at 4:26 pm
Thanks, Miriam. The sapsucker told me what to say. You might say he “hammered out a poem for me.”
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January 16, 2024 at 9:34 pm
It feels like that, sometimes, Anneli. Every peck makes a word for you. Look out, hell be back
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January 16, 2024 at 10:01 pm
He has been hanging around, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he comes back again.
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January 16, 2024 at 11:32 pm
He’s a pleasant visitor.
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January 17, 2024 at 9:11 am
I love to see him.
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January 17, 2024 at 11:45 am
I bet he’ll return.
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January 16, 2024 at 2:18 pm
Such a handsome bird. I sure hope he ate his fill. Nice poem too.
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January 16, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Thanks, Belinda. He has been close to the house for a couple of days now, busy (and not wanting to be interrupted) pecking the bark for bugs. I’m so glad it’s getting a bit warmer this week, although we’re supposed to pay our dues tonight with a dump of snow first.
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January 16, 2024 at 5:18 pm
I bet everyone will be glad when the snow ends and it warms up.
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January 16, 2024 at 5:53 pm
Yes. Maybe the odd polar bear will be unhappy, but for most of us it will be just fine.
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January 16, 2024 at 2:26 pm
Such a fun post, Anneli, I love your poem and the video. Such a cute bird! I didn’t hear a dog are a garbage truck. 😊
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January 16, 2024 at 4:23 pm
Maybe you didn’t have your sound turned up high.
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January 16, 2024 at 6:36 pm
That could be the reason. I do keep the volume low on the MacBook. It’s a battle between the laptop and the tube…
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January 16, 2024 at 7:39 pm
Most of the time that’s what I like to do too – keep the volume low.
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January 16, 2024 at 7:56 pm
Sometimes, silence can be golden. I can occasionally sit on the couch in the living room and hear absolutely nothing. In Las Vegas? 🤔
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January 16, 2024 at 8:01 pm
That’s good. Good to appreciate it too.
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January 16, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Thank you, and I do.
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January 17, 2024 at 12:18 am
I like this poem and the pictures of the Sapsucker. The video is extra nice, thanks for sharing.
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January 17, 2024 at 9:12 am
That sapsucker must have known he was in the movies. He put on a good show. Thanks for the visit, Ursula.
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January 17, 2024 at 2:18 am
Such a beautiful bird!!
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January 17, 2024 at 9:10 am
Pretty design, I think.
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January 17, 2024 at 9:11 am
Yes!
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January 17, 2024 at 7:48 am
Thanks for the fun feathered foray Anneli. I loved your playful verse.
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January 17, 2024 at 9:10 am
Thanks, Brad. We have heavy snow this morning so I hope that bird has found some food to keep himself warm.
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January 17, 2024 at 10:00 am
Enjoy if you can! 🙂 I ventured out briefly during our bitter cold the last few days.
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January 17, 2024 at 1:07 pm
I had to go out to feed the birds and the squirrels, but as glad as I was to come in, I felt sorry for the animals left outside. It’s warming up now and I hope the snow will be gone soon.
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January 17, 2024 at 1:46 pm
I understand and agree.
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January 17, 2024 at 9:30 am
Maybe the rapid beating of birdie hearts keeps them warm. I can’t imagine foraging outside in this cold for food. A lovely poem. I hope the sapsucker gets his fill of yummy bugs. 🙂
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January 17, 2024 at 9:41 am
Thanks, Diana. Stay warm!
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January 18, 2024 at 7:04 am
Anneli, you evoke such a lovely sense of peace in your poem and the wonderful video of the Sapsucker! I’ve never seen or heard of this bird before and how special for you to see this nearby. Thank you for sharing!
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January 18, 2024 at 8:56 am
I love it when they come here. It’s lucky that we have a lot of trees and shrubs to support birds. Thanks for reading and visiting, Annika.
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January 18, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Great poem, Anneli. I love it.
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January 18, 2024 at 2:33 pm
Thank you! You’re coming through as anonymous or as “Someone,” Pit.
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January 18, 2024 at 4:01 pm
It’s lovely the way the animals talk to you and write poetry for you!!!! Beautiful bird!
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January 19, 2024 at 8:55 am
My mother made me aware of that when I was barely able to toddle along beside her on our walks. She interpreted what the birds were saying and that convinced me that I heard those words too. My mother was Snow White reincarnated.
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January 19, 2024 at 10:31 am
Oh, I know I would have loved your mother!
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January 19, 2024 at 10:34 am
I’m sure you would. You both have that unconditional love and kindness for animals.
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January 19, 2024 at 3:50 pm
Aw, thanks, Anneli!
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January 20, 2024 at 12:56 pm
What a beautiful bird!
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January 20, 2024 at 2:52 pm
Thanks, Jennie.
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January 20, 2024 at 6:43 pm
You’re welcome, Anneli.
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