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RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER – Marilyn Armstrong

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I don’t usually get to take a lot of pictures of favorite birds, but this guy really settled into the feeder today and he didn’t flutter off the moment I had the camera up and ready. That’s not entirely true. He flew off a few times into the tree, cracked open some seeds, then came back to the feeder. Sometimes, it just takes patience. And waiting!

The following four pictures were taken from wildlife groups.

Pileated-Woodpecker – Head shot (I didn’t take this picture, either).
Red-Headed Woodpecker – Photo: Brian Wolf
Pileated Woodpecker in flight

Before everyone points out that this bird has a red head and not a red belly, I know that. But there already is a Red-headed Woodpecker who looks a lot like this guy, but his entire head is solid red, not to mention the Pileated Woodpecker who has a red topknot and is about the size of a medium-gauge hawk and a beak you wouldn’t want to mess with. I’m pretty sure he’s the bird the creators of Woody Woodpecker had in mind.

The following are pictures I took this morning. Even though this bird looks (to me) as if he has an orange rather than a red head, I have been assured that he is a Red-bellied Woodpecker and not a Gold-fronted Woodpecker.

The only difference between the two is the color of their head. Worse, they live in the same parts of the country.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker high in the old tree

However, this is quite a thin bird and I’m pretty sure he’s recently fledged so possibly has not fully developed his colors yet.

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Categories: #Birds, #gallery, #Photography, Blackstone Valley, Marilyn Armstrong, Nature, Wildlife, Woodpeckers

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43 replies

  1. Kiki
    05/21/2019 • 12:46

    They are ALL gorgeous and although I don’t like orange particularly, I’d go bonkers if any such red/orange-headed bird would visit me!!!! I also like that vague peeking ‘whatever’ in your last pixie.
    How did your doctor’s talks go? Thinking of you.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. cordeliasmom2012
    05/21/2019 • 11:00

    I can hear a woodpecker around my house, but haven’t seen it yet. Hopefully, if I ever do see it I’ll manage to get some photos. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying your pictures, which are lovely as usual.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. swo8
    05/21/2019 • 09:42

    That’s a handsome looking bird…..

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marilyn Armstrong
      05/21/2019 • 12:20

      I get good pictures when I can convince the squirrels to leave and LET me take pictures.

      Like

    • Garry Armstrong
      05/21/2019 • 13:51

      Bette, yesterday Marilyn and I cleaned the flat feeder. I cleaned the bird feeder and the deck table crusted with old seeds and bird/squirrel poop. Today, no evidence of yesterday’s efforts.

      Like

  5. trentpmcd
    05/21/2019 • 08:28

    For a few years a family of Pileated Woodpecker have nested behind my NH house. I have not been able to get a good photo…. last year I got an OK photo of the “kid” hanging out of the hole in the tree screaming for “mom”. They are noisy birds! And one of the noises they make is the Woody Woodpecker noise, so yes, I think he is a Pileated. Anyway, nice shot – I can never tell the little woodpeckers apart…

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Stuart Templeton
    05/21/2019 • 06:01

    Stunning looking birds those – and some great photos!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Sadje
    05/21/2019 • 03:24

    Amazing pictures.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Taswegian1957
    05/21/2019 • 03:19

    I’m sure he will soon fatten up now he’s found you.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marilyn Armstrong
      05/21/2019 • 12:16

      If he can get past the squirrels. I actually WOKE the dogs this morning shouting at the squirrels. Which they ignored. I had to GO to the door in the kitchen, open it, slam it (it makes a lot of noise) and finally they left, but of course, they are back. Ate about 2/3 of the feed. Someone suggested it was nice to see birds at my squirrel feeder. That about sums it up!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Taswegian1957
        05/21/2019 • 17:23

        Unfortunately it looks as if the squirrels are going to take over and nothing sems to scare them off. Other bloggers who have squirrel visitors seem to find the same thing.

        Like

    • Garry Armstrong
      05/21/2019 • 13:45

      For sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. angloswiss
    05/21/2019 • 01:15

    Our woodpeckers remain in the woods, but once one strayed onto my feeder, not so pretty as your red one

    Liked by 1 person