This Hairy Woodpecker has probably been around all summer but we're just noticing her now because we've just started feeding the birds for the winter months and she loves sunflower seeds.
Hairy's look similar to Downy's but are a bit bigger and have longer bills in relation to their head size. I was doing some reading about their family life and learned that the males incubate the eggs during the night while the females incubate them during the day.
Wonderful capture, Anne! Woodpeckers fascinate me. I love to watch them! Very cool information about egg incubating. I remember you said you feed a lot of birds in the winter. I'm looking forward to all your bird pics!!! :0)
Wonderful Capture! Love the details of the Hairy. I am enjoying the Hairy, Downy, and Peleated. But to my surprise this morning a Red Bellied Woodpecker at the suet. No pic - but hope to catch a pic. My favorite thing - feeding the birds and flower garden. Oh, i was rambling . . . Hope to see some great shots or your winter feathered friends, Anne!
Anne, as a fellow bird-watcher I love this shot. We have downys but no hairys. All my woodpeckers---red bellied, pileated, downy all seem to be in hiding when I'm out with my camera ;-)
Beautiful photo and I love equal opportunity parenting! Unlike those fickle hummingbird dads, these woodpeckers seem to take their responsibilities seriously.
