We get quite a few critters on our deck – squirrels, birds, and even an occasional raccoon – but this is the first time we’ve seen one of these!
I posted a pic on Facebook, and the consensus is that it is a “Red-Shafted Northern Flicker” – a type of woodpecker – and likely female.
According to Wikipedia: “Over 100 common names for the northern flicker are known, including yellowhammer (not to be confused with the Eurasian yellowhammer), clape, gaffer woodpecker, harry-wicket, heigh-ho, wake-up, walk-up, wick-up, yarrup, and gawker bird.
From the Cornell Lab: “Northern Flickers are large, brown woodpeckers with a gentle expression and handsome black-scalloped plumage.”
I just love some of those descriptions and words: GAWKER, GENTLE, HANDSOME 🙂
Sure was a lovely bird – thanks for visiting!
