A red-bellied woodpecker and a blue jay.
TumblrArchives
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- June 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
Jessica Smith
That red-bellied w-pecker is new to me — we don’t have them here in California. It’s one cool, very striking looking, bird.
yes. i thought that it was the yellowhammer, our state bird (this is not the correct name, but the one that is used), but on looking closer at the bird guide i determined that it wasn’t. its little head was surprisingly red.
i have also seen downy and pileated woodpeckers, but in general i have trouble distinguishing woodpeckers (and warblers and sparrows)(warblers are the hardest for me).
blue jays are mean birds, but they are quite beautiful when healthy.
some gorgeous woodpecker shots
i’ve got to get some birdfeeders.
I advise against bird-feeders. The birds do okay without humans feeding them. Plus bird-feeders generally will bring rodents by which I mean rats. Just let the birds come to you. Fewer birds that way, true, but more natural to me that attracting by feeding.
And wow yellowhammer is a strange name for a flicker, and strange too that its the state bird of Alabama while it is not at all unique to the state (I’ve seen them here in California). And the flicker is a striking bird too, with its spots. And the sound of a flicker is unforgettable, except that I’ve forgotten it. But I’ll never forget the oddness the first time I heard it.
And speaking of striking and strange, I must note that you linked to a picture of a flicker on flickr!
I agree with Steven that bird feeders aren’t terrifically natural, but I’ve never experienced anything about rats. Admittedly, I’m in Charlottesville, somewhat close to Downtown. Squirrels show up a bit. If you are rat-phobic and don’t want to take the chance, there are an enormous number of bird-friendly bushes and trees you could plant, if your thumb is green. They will attract birds in a more natural way. Or you can do like me, and do both.