Redheaded Woodpeckers in 'Bama.

This spring was the first time I spotted a redheaded woodpecker nearby (I saw them in the past and called them 'tomato-head' woodpeckers). In early Summer, they left the nest for a while, then I found the crows perching on their old tree (where they nested). Recently these beauties have returned, and reclaimed their old home. I'm so happy for these known warriors.

From what I've read they can be agressive toward other birds' nest and eggs. I hope to see them defend themselve against the crows and not going after other birds in the surrouding.

Look at that Mama! Isn't she 'rounded' looking? I tried to find info. on how to differentiate b/w the genders, but didn't find it. Is this a future mama? Or is that a Mr. redheaded?

Congrats Lily on the return of your WP...they are just so gorgeous! I can't tell them apart either.

Thanks Rose. Another thing that I've observed. Downy WP and Red-bellied WP visitted our feeders in the past. But so far this year -- since I spotted the Redheaded WP -- the Red-bellied WP isn't anywhere to be seen. Any input from fellow birders are appreciated.

The Downy have returned and fed on the feeders quite often, but the Red-bellied. I missed those 'fellas.

Hmmm...we still have the Downy and Red-bellied and occasionally the Hairy WP. A few days ago a Red-headed landed in the dead tree and last night I saw a pair of Pileated WP!!

Rose, I just read your "A day at the Farm" how lovely and I love how the story is told. One among some others that I would love to share with family members and grandkids when I am blessed with some (grand children that's).

I've yet seen a Pileated wp here. Wishing upon a star. :-)

Nice ones Lily ! Glad their back! The male and female look alike so that is why you can't tell them apart.

As far as the Red-bellieds go; do you have a lot of no melt suet out in a few different places? I would think they would visit for that. Mine still are here.

Ah, I need to get new suets. I haven't hung one for a while. lol. Thanks Pelle.

Plenty of bugs for the WP's to eat now. They will be back in the fall if you put your suet out. I don't have any out right now. The crows found it and would break the chains on those little suet hangers so they could get to it on the ground. So I just took them down for awhile.

They come to one of my grain feeders occasionally, but not on a daily basis. I hear them down on the creek, though.

I've never seen a RH WP around here, but there is a park in Bethany, OK, that has a good population. Good place for folks to get one for their list. Here is a pic on one from up there.

Nice!

I'm glad the Crows don't come into my yard. The squirrels do enough damage!

I just finished reading "Ivorybill Hunters" and the author was talking about how to the inexperienced eye the white band on the trailing edge of the wings of the RH WP can confuse novice birders. Obviously the birds don't look too much alike otherwise.

Nice pics.