The Gentle Flicker

If we can be permitted the prejudice of ascribing human personality characteristics to the birds, I would unhesitatingly assign to the Common Flicker the "highborn" qualities of gentility and grace. Our Flickers -- regular but not daily visitors to the suet baskets -- don't seem to bully other birds, don't make any fuss, and maintain a dignified mien even when getting atop a basket that is rather smaller than they are. I also enjoy their fascinating feathering, especially the yellow shafting on the tail (as seen so clearly in this photograph of a female Flicker) characteristic of our eastern race. According to my logbook I have captured their images on BirdCam almost all year. For whatever reason there were none taken between June 23rd and December 31st of this past year, although they are year round residents here. Almost all of the photos were taken at the suet baskets, although I occasionally catch them at the bird bath, enjoying a cool drink. They make wonderful photographic subjects and I am delighted they're relatively easy to view.