Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
Well, as is probably quite evident to anybody who has spent any time on this blog, or who knows me personally, I am a woodpecker fanatic - just can't get enough of them. And Red-headed Woodpeckers are right up at the top of my 'favorite' list. They are such beautiful & striking birds, joined with the fact that they are completely unpredictable here in eastern New England. When one was reported to our local list-serv Saturday evening, our plans for Sunday quickly changed, in order for me to chase this wonderful bird. We were lucky that a few other birders were there when we had arrived and had located the bird several hundred yard away on the other side of the swamp. Luckily enough, the bird did eventually fly in to a closer snag, and allowed me to get the images above. An unexpected treat though, was that I spotted an immature/first year bird (which does not have the striking red head) as well. Unfortunately, it did not come any closer to get photos.(To see what an immature bird looks like, I have some photos from one last year here.)
PS - as always click on the photos to see larger versions!
To see some great bird photos from around the world, check out:
14 comments:
Really, Picus? You're a woodpecker fan? I never would have guessed. :)
Great bird, great photos. Well worth the trip out to see and get.
Good work!!!
Regards
The Redhead Woodpecker is a great bird, I wish I could see them in my neighborhood. Great photos!
Great photos. Very striking color scheme against the blue sky!
Nice photo series, Christopher. Red-headed Woodpeckers are seen around here regularly but I've never had such good looks as in your photos. I like the one perched on top of the snag with the blue sky behind the best.
Excellent series, Chris! This is one woodpecker I have yet to see in person.
Christopher: It's been such a long time since I've seen a red-headed woodpecker. Gorgeous shots. Thank you.
We only see about one or two a year, so now we can come back here when we need a Red-Head fix!
The Red stands out against the shy.
Fantastic shots Christopher!!!! I especially love the one in flight! I am crossing my fingers it is still there Saturday because if it is, I am going to try and get it, especially after seeing your pictures!
My favorite woodpecker.
Your pix remind me of my first Red-headed, flitting, unexpected and unreported, overhead in NYC's Central Park.
Thrilling!
WOW, amazing shots Christopher! This would be a lifer for me....
On very rare occasions, RHWO even strays as far north as VT - it is a great bird - maybe even more spectacular than the pileated. You captured it very well.
Gosh.....such a wonderful series! In the past 5 years, I've only seen one Red-headed Woodpecker and that was in South Carolina. Your photos are beautiful. I would love to see more of these fellows!
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