Monday, August 20, 2007

New Bird

I'm not a serious bird watcher, but I do try to keep track of the birds I have seen. Yesterday, I got to add the Downy Woodpecker to my list. I'd first thought, as I watched him fly away from the feeder, that it was a Red Headed Woodpecker (not to be confused with the Red Bellied Woodpecker) because the pattern on his back was all I could really see. But once he landed, no red head. So I thumbed through the pages of my well worn Field Guide to the Birds of North America and identified him.

I know, I'm boring and a geek. Whatev. But the woodpeckers are my favorites to spot because they tend to be shy. Many years ago, at another house in West Ashley, I actually had a Pileated Woodpecker visit a few times. That was exciting.


Loki sez: Yes, yes. You speak of such birds, but you never bring any home so that we might, shall I say, examine them up close. And personal.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Woodpeckers are fun to spot UNLESS they are pecking on the side of your home.....we have gone thru this over the last few years. I am told they are looking for insects that aren't there!! We have had to have several holes patched and they drive our cat NUTS....with the pecking ...pecking...pecking right under our 2nd story bedroom window where she loves to lay.Pam, South Bend

JanetLee said...

I've heard of this. And frankly, I'm surprised it hasn't happened on the addition to my house. The only problem I've had is with a squirrell who thought my window sills were the tastiest treats in the yard. He didn't like the tabasco sauce though!

Marcheline said...

Ah, the joy of a brick house! Have at it, peckerheads!

8-D

- M

Jon C Leaman said...

I saw two red-bellied woodpeckers this morning...priceless!