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What storm? (via @mikewolfel)

Bird of the Week: The Northern Flicker

Photo by Jerry McFarland (Flickr)

Found in North and Central America

Hear Their Calls

The large, distinctive Northern Flicker has a black collar, speckled chest, stained red cheeks, and red or yellow wings when flying. They are a member of the woodpecker family, but you won’t always see them up in the trees. They hop around on the ground digging for insects like ants and worms with their curved bills, and will also catch insects in the air and eat fruits and berries.

Though they are often solitary or in pairs, they can gather in large groups during winter or while migrating. Their staccato calls can sometimes sound like laughter. 

Fun fact: Northern Flickers have red interior wings in the west, and yellow in the east. Though they look different in the two regions, they are the same species and interbreed.

Photo by Shiva Shenoy (Flickr)

Photo by Mick Thompson (Flickr)

🧘 Slow down
After a frantic year, it’s time for slow birding
Animal behaviorist Joan E. Strassmann wrote a book about connecting with the birds you see at home, and the science behind how birding improves your life. 

🏡 If you build it…
Five backyards that birds love
And how you can create your own. (It’s a great time to think about your 2023 backyard resolutions!)

🦉 Scratch the itch
Watch a Great Horned Owl take a big scritch.

If I had a look so endearing and sweet,

snowy rump and fine black-scalloped plumage, I’d beat

out a ratamacue or a seven-stroke roll

just for joy on the bark of some hollowed-out bole.

Perhaps my great drumming and looks would attract

the attention of someone to love. But, in fact,

I am happy enough merely hearing the talk

of that bird in the woods. Just to listen and walk.

— “Yellowhammer Woodpecker (Northern Flicker)” by Miles T. Ranter