Red Headed Woodpecker

Last Saturday, on a trip to McCormicks Creek State Park, I saw a Red Headed woodpecker up high in the white branches of a sycamore tree. I was happy to see it since this is one of our declining species and it is truly one of the most beautiful birds on the planet.

The red headed is one of only 4 woodpeckers known to store food and is the only one known to cover the food with wood or bark.

I used to see Red Heads all the time in Indiana as a youngster growing up. Now they are rare. The Red-bellied is much more prevalent around here now. Too bad, not that I don't like the Red-bellies. They are equally beautiful.

Have been reading quite a few birding blogs out there in cyberland. Will probably provide links to them on my page later on. Thank goodness for the Birdchick. I have attended both Cape May and the Rio Grande Valley bird festivals vicariously through her this year. Sounds like she has the life that a lot of birders dream of! DAMN! Why didn't I become an ornithologist.