Saturday, May 11, 2019

The Red-headed Woodpecker


We see so many beautiful birds here in Florida that I usually try to put several into each and every post to keep up with all the photos I take! 


But it's a busy weekend so I'm going to 'feature' the Red-headed Woodpeckers that I saw on a hike this week on the Florida trails.


I've taken 2 hikes there this past week and both have been amazing! 


I love what All about Birds said on their website HERE .

"The gorgeous Red-headed Woodpecker is so boldly patterned it’s been called a “flying checkerboard,” with an entirely crimson head, a snow-white body, and half white, half inky black wings. These birds don’t act quite like most other woodpeckers."


 I watched three of them soar around like Swallows....swooping and diving! It was amazing! I had to MAKE myself leave! I couldn't stay there ALL day, even though I wanted to! ( I stood in the bright sun so long I thought the sun would bleach my hair white...oh wait...it already IS white! ROFL)

 

 The Red-headed Woodpecker is not one we see very often here in our neck of the woods so it was a fun sighting! I hope you've been able to get out in nature this week and enjoy the sights!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE 
 
and I’d Rather B Birdin’.
 
 

31 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

What a wonderful post on the Red-headed Woodpecker. They are beautiful birds.
Sounds like a great hike and your photos are beautiful. Thanks for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your Mother's Day weekend. PS, thank also for the visit and the comment.

Arlene G said...

And now I am hearing the Woody Woodpecker theme song in my head Diane!! Child of the 60s.lol

SImple and Serene Living said...

Such a beautiful bird. I just noticed a couple of days ago that I have a pair of woodpeckers on the tree outside my window. I love watching them. xo Laura

Vee said...

He is a very handsome fellow. I think I saw a Golden-Winged Warbler this morning. I thought it was a chickadee at first until I saw the yellow on his head and wings. I’m waiting with my camera for him to come back. I am not as good at bird captures as you are!

MadSnapper said...

very handsome bird, I have seen these but never flying and swooping. did not know that about them

Mia said...

I love birds and I always enjoy your beautiful photos! Kisses, my friend.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It is a very attractive species indeed.

Linda said...

I love woodpeckers! We have had one in our big elm tree every summer for years and years. The tree has been topped off now and I’m going to miss that bird!

Lea said...

Great photos of the Red-headed Woodpeckers!
I think you were the person who recommended "Grandma Gatewood's Walk" - Just got it from the library (through interlibrary loan), and can hardly wait to start reading it!

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Lucky you--this one woodpecker that I have yet to see in person
and to photograph!!!
great photos--
is that why my hair is so grey--standing in the sun taking photos???
luv, di

Bill said...

What a beautiful bird and great photos from your hike.
Have a wonderful evening.

Ann Thompson said...

WOW, he is so pretty. What a treat to get to see and photograph him

Adam Jones said...

That's a beautiful looking Woodpecker. Wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Amazing photos! Isn’t it a beautiful bird, I actually saw a Pilates woodpecker on our property today, he is a big fella! Your hair is lovely!

Debbie said...

it is such a beautiful bird and i would assume it is pretty easy to spot with that bright crimson head!!

i don't see them here but i do wish i did!! good that you have gotten out this week...today was my first day out and about, and i made the most of it!! happy mothers day, enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

happyone said...

Wow what fantastic shots of the red headed woodpecker. I don't think I've ever seen one around here. They sure are pretty.

Tom said...

...I'm amazed that they don't get a headache.

Terri D said...

That is a beautiful bird. I'm pretty sure I've seen one in person recently but had no idea what I was seeing and that it was a woodpecker! Wow!

BeachGypsy said...

I'm not sure if we have those here or not??? But they sure are pretty! Love the last picture the best!--oh and the one of him with all the greenery around! Hope you're having a nice weekend and that you enjoy your Mothers Day tomorrow. Hopefully we'll get something delicious to eat, maybe a sweet treat, maybe even a present? The best part of course, is being with our loved ones and having time together! I hope we both get that! Hugs, my florida friend!

Linda said...

Beautiful woodpecker!

Anni said...

I love the descriptive word "inky black"! Beautiful photos thi week, Diane. As always, thanks for taking time to add your link with us at I'd Rather B Birdin', and enjoy your week ahead. Good birding!

carol l mckenna said...

Beautiful woodpecker and great photos!

Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

I only see Northern here in Tampa :(

John's Island said...

Hi Lavender Dreamer, Thank you for your kind comment on my blog yesterday. I sure enjoyed your photos here of the Red Headed Woodpecker. Coincidentally, I had one of these woodpeckers in my neighborhood here in Seattle back in 2016. He had a lot of fun drumming on the top of the neighbor's chimney. I recorded the sound and included it in my post on March 10, 2016 at this link
https://john-s-island.blogspot.com/2016/03/carkeek-eagles-woodpecker-solar-eclipse.html
If you have time to check it out I think it will make you smile. Have a great day and Happy Mother's Day. John

Connie said...

You take amazing photos of birds . Every time I try by the time I get my camera out they're gone . Even today there was a quail on our fence and my phone was in my pocket by the time I got it out he was gone , LOL.
I don't know how you do it but I'm glad you do .
Thank you for the sweet comments you have been leaving on my blog and thank you for your prayers , they mean so much . God bless you .
Connie

Lowcarb team member said...

A very nice series of photographs.
The red-headed Woodpecker is a nice looking bird.

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

Your red-headed Woodpecker is delightful and looks a bit different than ours. Our Woodpeckers have only a red spot on their heads, but I see this one has a whole head of red. They are funny birds and interesting to watch. Wonderful pictures, Diane. I hope you are having a nice Mother's Day.

~Sheri

NatureFootstep said...

the head color ofa this one is really unusual. Love your shots. :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

That guy is my favorite woodpecker! Hey, the Florida sun has had that same effect on my hair ))!

Jeanie said...

Isn't he handsome? I love woodpeckers so long as they don't peck on my house! And he's a good one!

Little Wandering Wren said...

I have never seen a Red-headed Woodpecker, I'm sure I would have been transfixed, what a beautiful bird! I hope to get to Florida, maybe next year, I hope I see one of those gorgeous birds
Wren xx