Red lives down south in the Ozarks. Red lives in NW Wisconsin, but not in the Boreal Forest of NE Minnesota. These birds love oak tree savannas, and not heavy forest. Thus I was thrilled while visiting an Arkansas State Park yesterday when I spotted a Red-Headed Woodpecker. Although I often search for woodpeckers holes for days and weeks with little to show for the effort, I got darned lucked with a flash of red seen through the oak leaves led me to their home. For over an hour I watched (and photographed) the comings and goings of Ma and Pa Woodpecker. They were obviously feeding young, which is amazing since they will not migrate into NW Wisconsin for a couple of weeks yet.
Hanging out by the hole
Down the hole (notice how the hole is only a touch bigger than red … no wasted energy drilling out a hole!)
Leaving the hole
Preening
In a nearby tree
NW Wisconsin here – 65 miles NE of the Twin Cities. Saw my first Redhead of the summer on May 02 – same day as the first Baltimore Oriole and the first Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I’ve never tracked down a nest though – great spot and nice pictures.
picture perfect!!!!!! wow
Yssss! So ready for them to arrive in NA WI.
Well done young man.
Don