[deflepfan]

Just now, a male red-Bellied Woodpecker, which I have never seen before, was in the dead tree in my backyard that the three downy woodpeckers call their own. His arrival cause quite an raucus! One of the downy's chattered away, flitting from branch to branch, attempting rid the area of this visitor! This went on for about five minutes before he flew away.

I couldn't get close enough to get a picture.

According to the Peterson Field Guide, he is a bit north of his usual territory.

Keep in mind, I'm only a birder in my little neck of the woods, and anything new can be exciting. This was exciting!
Sheila

[J. Moore]

Originally Posted by deflepfan

According to the Peterson Field Guide, he is a bit north of his usual territory.

They are beautiful birds Sheila. Over the past several decades they have dramatically expanded their northward range--they used to be almost unheard of in Mass. but are now common throughout the state.

Best,
Jim

[KCFoggin]

Well congrats on your additon.

Having a half-dozen around all the time, I forget that they are not so common in other places. I enjoy them tremendously.