I have nothing on the stitching front to share, but do have some exciting bird news.
Tuesday morning while puttering around on the Front Porch, I heard an usual sound.
When I zoomed in with my camera, I saw a couple of Acorn Woodpeckers atop a tall snag! They chattered and flitted about the forest at a distance...
...but I was soon rewarded as they came closer to the Big Bird Feeder.
Notice how, like all woodpeckers, this one is using its tail for balance.
I counted between 3 to 5 of them, though most often I saw just 2 or 3. They were extremely active around the house all day Tuesday.
They have such unusual markings too - and are easy to identify in flight.
Some folks think they appear clownish with their dark beak and dark circles around their eyes. They have very unusual vocalizations too, and sound nothing like other woodpeckers. Take a listen to the "Typical Voice" here. My neighbor thinks they sound like a flock of parrots.
Their behavior is parrot-like too. They hang out in groups and communally raise their young in one nest.
While they eat sap, seeds, nectar, and insects, acorns are an important part of their diet. Once again, acting communally they work together to store acorns in one or more storage trees called granary trees. These trees may have up to 50,000 holes - each storing one acorn! They are territorial and will defend up to 15 acres surrounding their granary trees from other groups of Acorn Woodpeckers.
Cool huh? I am so hoping they have found a new home here.
I'm hoping they find a home there too. Lovely pics.
ReplyDeleteTruly so sweet x
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this type of woodpecker before, I like their red caps.
ReplyDeleteThe intensity of the blue sky in your first photo is really bonnie to see.
Oh, what handsome fellows! I've never seen this kind of woodpecker before, either. I do hope they stick around.
ReplyDeleteI hope they stick around for you (for us LOL) gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWow! They are really cool looking birds! And the sounds they make--quite a variety. I especially like the contract of the red on their head, but also the yellow under the beak... Very cool if they stay nearby. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful birds! I hope they are settling in somewhere close to you for sure.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for being so happy! They are amazing. I have never seen anything like them!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I have never seen those. They are very distinctively and beautifully marked.
ReplyDeleteOOOOOOOooo, what a sharp looking bird!
ReplyDeleteWow!!! What amazing birds. I have never seen these before. So cool(picture me jumping up and down!)
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