Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, August 14, 2009

Could it Be???? A Red-HEADED Woodpecker


Since George bought me a laptop computer for my birthday (isn't that sweet?)---I have been able to do my blogging and emailing from my 'throne' (sofa) while watching all of the birds who come to our deck to eat. Because I'm in there longer, I've been able to get some new pictures to share.


First of all, let me say THANKS to friend NC Mountain Woman (Carolyn) for mentioning the Red-HEADED Woodpeckers on her August 10th blog. The very day she said that she really wished that she had a Red-headed at her house/area, one showed up (with its baby) at my feeders. Thanks, Carolyn!!! I'm sure they wouldn't have come here if you hadn't have mentioned them.... ha ha...


Anyhow--- of all of the woodpeckers I have seen in my yard (Pileated, Red-bellied, Red-headed, Downy and Northern Flicker) ---the Red-headed is definitely my FAVORITE. I like them all---but since we see the Red-headed ones so rarely, I was one excited gal when he came to the feeders that day. He is pictured above. More pictures below. You can click on the pictures to make them larger.









Now---isn't that one gorgeous bird!!!!! That is a Red-HEADED Woodpecker. Remember Woody Woodpecker???? This is Woody!!!!









This little guy is a Juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker. At first I wasn't sure---but after research, I now know that the little ones don't have their red color yet. Isn't he a cutie??? Have you ever seen one???









My clothesline is full of feeders. I liked this picture because it shows a male Red-BELLIED Woodpecker (Pete) at one suet feeder, and a Brown Thrasher at the other suet feeder. Yes---our Brown Thrashers are still around ---and they love my suet.









For about 3-4 days, Daddy Cardinal has been bringing his new babies to the deck --to teach them to learn to eat. I featured some pictures of them a few days ago--but I now have more pictures. This little guy is a baby Cardinal. His makes a little 'tinker-bell' type of sound --and when Daddy feeds him, he just shakes all over. I mentioned this before, but the baby Cardinals don't have their red beaks yet.









Here is a cute picture of Daddy feeding his baby. Oh--how I've enjoyed watching them!









My baby Bluebirds are regular visitors at the feeders also. They are also trying to learn to eat.









Count them----1,2,3 baby Bluebirds on the clothesline!









They seem to be talking to each other---and wondering what to do next....









This is probably a big brother ---encouraging one of the little ones, and maybe giving him a bite to eat. (Wish I could hear what they were saying!!! ha)







See all of the orange on this Bluebird??? He's not one of the babies---so I assume that he's an older brother or sister. Remember --there were two broods making a total of 8 babies born in our yard this summer. These are such beautiful birds.







Another one of the babies; Believe it or not, they don't go to the plate feeder as much as they do the suet... The plate feeder has fruit and sunflower chips (things I thought they would like). But--for some reason, most of my birds seem to like the suet.... Who knows!!!!????









Four Bluebirds ---all in a row!!!! Cute, aren't they???


Hope you enjoyed my bird pictures today. Wish you were here ---and I'd share my throne with you and maybe my laptop... On second thought----NO!!!! ha ha


Hugs,

P.S. I'm taking a couple of days off from Blogging to work on Family History. Blogging has taken so much time and even though I love it, I have so much Family History to enter into my Family Tree program. I'll post again on Monday morning. SO---have a wonderful weekend!!!

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Betsy, Thank you for sharing your pretty bird pictures. I have never seen the juvenile red-headed baby before. Don't you just get lost in amazement watching God's beautiful birds?
For me, Blogger is not showing that you or I have posted this morning. Don't know if it is just affecting me or many.
Have fun with your family history and I hope you two have a pleasant weekend. Keep that camera handy!

Jayne said...

Oh, I am SOOOO jealous! He's spectacular Betsy! And your baby bluebirds are sweet as ever. Have a great, productive weekend!

Naturegirl said...

Betsy I so enjoyed viewing these wonderful family photos of your visiting birds! How sweet the sound when the babies come w/ parents to feed...so much happy chirping..I have seen juvenile downy woodpeckers at my feeders earlier this summer!
A very "tweet" post! hugs
P.S. my Paris photos of are
"last year"

Pat - Arkansas said...

I occasionally hear a woodpecker in the vicinity, but have not seen one on my property for several years.

Your photos are precious!

Hope you have a great weekend.

Beth said...

Oh, Betsy...those are absolutely wonderful photographs! I've never seen a red-headed woodpecker in "person," but I would be thrilled if I did. And your bluebird and cardinal shots are really nice, too. You've got your own personal nature show to watch from your throne---I wish I could join you! :-)

Shelley said...

I am so envious of that red headed woodpecker!! Such a beautiful photo! I've always wanted to see one - I know their population has been declining so it's nice to see yours. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Hugs and love,
Shelley

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Those are truly beautiful captures of all the birds.

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh Betsy! If I can't have one I'm happy that you are the lucky one. And a juvie as well!!! Can't think of anyone I'd rather have "my favorite woodpecker" if it's not to be me.

And don't you love your laptop? One of the wonderful things you never dreamed you needed yet will never again be without.

Darla said...

You have the best seat in the house!

Sunny said...

Such great pictures Betsy! I really miss having birds around since we moved to the 'boonies', we can't put out seed due to attracting bears! I love the Red Headed Woodpecker and I remember Woody!
Have a great weekend.
Sunny :)

Cheryl said...

Wow, how wonderful that you are able to have "Woody Woodpecker" visit your yard. I have never seen one before. I would love to share your "throne" and watch all the birds! You must certainly have the best seat in the house! Have a wonderful weekend and will look forward to visiting next week.

Snap said...

Your birds are spectacular! What fun you must have watching them. Have a great weekend.

(Woody Woodpecker -- too funny!)

Leedra said...

You are going to have to watch what you say you are sitting on. You know what alot of men are referring to when they say the 'throne'. I probably picked up on that more because you first told me you were sitting on the safe. :) I love all your bird photos. I have never had bluebirds really visit my feeders, although they have made passing glances at the flat feeders. What are the bluebirds eating at your feeders?

Susie said...

Hey Betsy, love all these bird pics. I have been seeing those grey/black woodpeckers like the ones you have pictured. I thought they were female red headed woodpeckers. Ha! Now I know.

Arkansas Patti said...

You really do have a grand seat don't you. Thank you for letting us squeeze in with you via blog.
Have fun working on your family history, that is important and I am sure enjoyable. You can share if you wish.
Enjoy.

Busy Bee Suz said...

THese are great pictures Betsy...but you know what they say about redheads right???
So jealous about the laptop, but you deserve it. I hope now you can blog while on vacation too. :)
Happy weekend. SUZ

Grammy said...

Hey Betsy,
I enjoyed all the baby bird pics.
Thanks for stopping by.

I think I have a summer cold now. So I am off for now.

Inday said...

I wish I can scoop some of our birds here to send them over to you. We do have plenty both front and back yard and of course they enjoy bread and anything grainy we feed them. Most of the old residents will just throw a bag of fresh bread right in their front yard and they swarm over... pity I do not know their names other than the rainbow lorikeets.

If I get a chance to get a photo of a Galah, I'll post it here so you will see ...

Your birds are truly amazing.

Keep birding! ;)

Randy said...

I haven't seen a red headed woodpecker since I was a very small boy. We don't see any woodpeckers around our parts.--Randy

Dorothy said...

Great pictures, Betsy! I get excited about photographing birds, too, Especially a new one!

Mark Kreider said...

It's a very thoughtful husband that buys his love a laptop. I couldn't live without mine! Great shots as always!

amelia said...

Beautiful woodpecker. I haven't seen one around here although I do believe we are supposed to have them. We have a yellow bellied sapsucker who is a regular feeder at out maple trees.

SquirrelQueen said...

Betsy, I think Woody is just the prettiest thing, I have never seen a red-headed woodpecker before.

I love all of you little birds but the baby cardinal and bluebirds babes are so adorable. You must have a ball watching to see what they do next.

Have fun with the family history, I need to get our trees a little more up to date.

Hugs,
Judy

Libby's Library said...

What wonderful photo's!

Good for you for working on your family history. I really need to be working on mine.

Joy said...

I can't believe you get to enjoy all these babies from your sofa. What a gift. I know they come for the food, but they are giving you so much pleasure. Then you get to pass it along to us. I love the pictures.

Joy

Deborah Godin said...

Wonderful "album" of birdie baby pictures. I get the odd RH Woodpecker here, too, but haven't seen any juvvies. Great shots. Have a good weekend!

Anonymous said...

I love all of your bird photos! That Red-Headed Woodpecker is so pretty!

(And I did read "your story." You and George are so lucky!)

Cookie said...

I can't believe how clear those pictures are! You are lucky to get so many so birds!

Unknown said...

beautiful birds! i love seeing and waking up to them although here in utah they aren't quite as colorful!
http://randommusingsfrommypov.com

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

You do have all the pretty birds at your place.Those baby Bluebirds lined up is so cute.
Blessings,Ruth

Diane said...

Thanks for all the baby pictures. They're so cute and akward-and loveable.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

awwww thanks for sharing your baby pictures with us. It takes a lot of patience to shoot them at the right moment...
It must run you in circles keeping those feeders well stock of seeds and suet, but then it's all worth it.
Great pictures Betsy !
Have fun with your family tree...

Unknown said...

Laptops are the best: you can mobilize, or get the computer out of the way (out of sight out of mind). Plus, in a small house, it makes rooms more multi-dimensional. Thanks for all your comments Betsy. People in south Florida are getting to know you and your blog through them.

Chad said...

Very nice picture of the Red-headed Woodpecker... such a beautiful bird. I was out on Thursday and was so pleased to see so many Eastern Bluebirds out and about, families of them!

Anonymous said...

simply beautifully captured shots....lovely!

Kelly said...

Have fun with your family history--all that new Williamburg stuff is fabulous. I LOVE your red-headed woodpecker. I saw my first this summer at Pinckney Island!

Anonymous said...

So glad I found your blog. We enjoy bird watching and photography as well. Your photos are amazing!

Grammyof13 said...

Betsy, I had lost you!!! I remember reading your blogs before, but as I said I lost you. These pictures are wonderful. These birds are also found in Ark. but getting to have feeders has not proven a good idea for me. Too many trees. Guess who lives in trees beside birds? Squirrels. They reek havoc on my otherwise great and peaceful pasttime.
Beautiful pictures. Good Blog.

Karin said...

What a wonderful post again and so many beautiful comments! Love your blog! Have an awesome week-end! Hugs!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Certainly i have not seen that red head before.

diane b said...

You have such different birds to us. It is great seeing them on your blog. You have so many and the red headed woodpecker is brilliant. Hope you get your family tree up to date. You can do mine next weekend.

SmilingSally said...

If I were with you, we'd spend so much time yakking that you'd miss all of these marvelous sights. I love that you share your views.

Diane AZ said...

I'm glad you can use your computer where you can also watch your bird feeders. I can't see my feeders from my computer, but I do have a great view of the sky so I can't complain. Your pictures of woodpeckers, cardinals and baby bluebirds are all adorable!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
I love the photos of the red-headed woodpeckers, cardinals and baby bluebirds. I love to watch birds as my feeder. You sure are an excellent photographer to get such wonderful pictures. I really enjoyed this posting. Have a great weekend.

Meems said...

Dear Betsy,
I know what you mean about taking a break from blogging. I have to do it all the time to get any thing else done. This afternoon, however, I'm taking a break from the garden and catching up on some blogging. LOL I'm at my perch with my laptop on the back porch. From here I can see the back garden and the bird feeders. Those wild birds do add a ton of entertainment to the watcher. I love your red-head... we get the red-bellied... I'm watching one now hanging on the feeder. All those baby bluebirds are amazing... you must feel like a proud mama.

Hugs,
Meems @ Hoe and Shovel

Connie said...

I enjoyed seeing all your sweet bird pictures, Betsy. I especially liked the little bluebirds all in a row--like they were posing for you. Have a great weekend! :)

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

My husband and I so enjoy looking at all of your birds..Have a great weekend..m.

EG CameraGirl said...

It's wonderful to see you enjoying the birds in your yard, Betsy,

Entering all that family information into your computer sounds like a BIG job. Hope it goes smoothly!

Wendy said...

Hi Betsy, I haven't been around blogging much these last few days either. Too much summer weather to enjoy outdoors. Will catch up!

I am so glad you blogged about the cardinals. Just this morning 3 cardinals were on my back deck. I was wondering if one of them was a baby, but I was not sure. I put some sunflower seeds out for them, but the chipmunks ate them all!!

Have a good weekend. Your pics are great!

Lola said...

I sure would enjoy sitting on your throne with you watching all that beauty. I love to watch them.
Have a great week end.

Peggy said...

Thank you so much for the awesome link! I have been reading every post and all of her links! Have a blessed weekend

Marge said...

What lovely birdies and beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing! You make me want to dig out my bird guidebook and start watching!

Marge said...

What lovely birdies and beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing! You make me want to dig out my bird guidebook and start watching!

Janie said...

The red-headed woodpeckers are great! I didn't know the juveniles didn't have the red color.
You must have fun typing on the laptop and taking photos out the window at the same time!

Sunny said...

I love all the birdie photos! And... yes that's Woody Woodpecker! The red-headed woodpecker is my fave of all the woodpeckers.

Enjoy your time off from blogging...as you know, sometimes I take off for a few months at a time or a week or two. Blogging is time-consuming.

And that was so sweet of your hubby to get you your laptop for your birthday! Nice!

Have a great week...*hugs*

Lagean Ellis said...

Love the pics! Ollie has 3 different woodpeckers in his yard: the redheaded, the downy and the Pileated. We have an oriole, too, but he hides.

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Stephen Loucka said...

Several years ago I spent a few hours in my back yard watching a pair of Cardinals teach their young to fly. The father would fly to a branch a few feet away and call to one of the young ones. It would fly to dad and then mom would call and it would fly back. The dad would eventually move to a farther branch. This lasted for a few hours.

Jen said...

OK, I'm jealous of your Red Headed Woodpecker!!
But happy for you :)

Mary said...

Oh, I love that woodpecker! It is the only woodpecker that never comes to my house and I have only caught glimpses of them from afar. Beautiful!