Wondrous Woodpeckers

For some reason (that I have yet to figure out) I associate the beginning of autumn with woodpeckers. So, since the season is almost upon us, I thought I'd share some photos of woodpeckers I took in our yard over the last year or two.

 

First, the Colaptes auratus, better known as
Northern Flicker, lovers of ants and suet:

 

Such a big stretch - I hope it's worth it!
 

 

Female Northern Flicker at suet feeder, the easier way
 

On watch at twilight



Who's that hiding behind the branches? See the red shaft on the tail?
That's why he's known as the "red-shafted" Northern Flicker. 

Male (note the red moustache) Northern Flicker on suet feeder



A Northern Flicker and Steller's Jay vie for the suet. The flicker won.
(His beak is longer and much sharper!)

  

From the Piocides genus

 



A pair of Piocides villosus aka Hairy Woodpeckers. Note the the male's red cap.



Mama feeds suet to baby. So sweet to watch.

 

In contrast to the Hairys above, 
this Downy woodpecker (Piocides pubescens) has a short stubby bill
perfect for poking into tiny crevices. 

 



Sharing is always good.

 

The Dryocopus pileatus - in a class all its own
(on Gabriola, at any rate)



The Pileated woodpecker is the sixth largest woodpecker in the world. When they
start hammering on trees looking for carpenter ants, the chips fly!
Sometimes a little suet is nice too.  

 

Hanging onto the homemade suet ball

 



The striking silhouette of a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers from a distance. 

 

 

The lovely Sphyrapicus ruber!



This beautiful Red-breasted sapsucker is unmistakable whether you can see it or just hear it.
If the woodpecker is in sight, the all-red head is unmistakeable.
But even if you can't see it (but can hear it) its unique irregular drumming pattern is a giveaway.  

 

 

Thanks for tuning in. ... That all (for now), folks!