While uncommon and declining in numbers overall, we have been fortunate to enjoy the company of Red-Headed woodpeckers in our neighborhood for years. These striking birds are black and white, with a full crimson-colored head. Unlike many other birds, the male and female of this species are identical in coloring. The juveniles are the same vivid black and white, but with a brownish head.
Having watched them from a distance, I was able to lure them to my yard by putting out peanut pieces in my fly-thru feeder. It has been entertaining to watch these magnificent birds "cache" their peanuts in nearby trees and telephone poles. They also enjoy open areas where they can catch insects in mid air.
Two years ago we discovered that our beautiful clump white birch had finally succumbed to the birch borer. Rather than bring it down immediately, we chose to leave the dead "snag" standing in our yard. After all, we had numerous tall trees standing around it, so it was not immediately evident that the tree was dead. Imagine my delight last Spring when I discovered that not only were the red heads coming to my feeder, but were also excavating a hole in our birch snag. While extremely noisy during nesting, we enjoyed having them share our yard.
I can't recall an early May which included so many wonderful bird sightings. In addition to the hummingbirds, orioles, grosbeaks and buntings, we have been treated to scarlet tanagers and numerous uncommon warblers. The return engagement of the red heads to our birch snag makes this the best Spring migration ever!
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