A Possible First For Me

I think I have a new life lister.  This bird is clearly a Hairy Woodpecker: the bill alone confirms that fact.  But the bird is curiously different on the head, and the only other example of this type I see in these parts is a young Red Bellied Woodpecker.  My conclusion is that this is a young Hairy Woodpecker.  Which I have not knowingly observed, ever.  Here or anywhere else.  It is uncommon enough to see an HW, and seeing a distinct juvenile during that short time of the year when they are around is a higher level feat.  It is possible this is a molting adult, but...I saw an obvious non-molted adult earlier this week.  Seems odd so many feathers came off that soon.  I'll sit back and enjoy this rare moment.  A new juvenile for the Cary BirdCam back yard!

The Hairy One Returns

This one won't faze a power birder, but I do get extremely interested when I find a Hairy Woodpecker at our feeders.  These jumbo-sized Downy-like woodpeckers (Picoides villosus) are best distinguished by their Cyrano-length bill.  Consquently they're often confused with the smaller bird.  So far so good.  And they are reasonably common throughout North America but it is my experience that they're many degrees more elusive and don't seem to be regulars at the suet feeders at any season of the year.  And once I see one, it may be weeks or months before the next encounter.  It was a good day for woodpeckers!

Not Around, Maybe

Absenteeism is always a problem for the eager and anxious back yard birdwatcher.  It seems we're never able to see everyone who should be around.  And my list is long.  In recent weeks I can't recall seeing a Downy Woodpecker--or a Hairy.  Or a Pine Warbler.  No Flickers, and no Mockingbirds.  What on earth?!? They seem to waive off for periods of time, or at least I am quite unlucky when I am around.  And of course when one of these jokers does show up, my absentee list may pick up something else, say, a Brown Headed Nuthatch.  Quite the party! 

Got It Right This Time

It is always a pleasure to see a bird that just doesn't come by often.  Heck, you can see Carolina Wrens all day and while that's fine, it's so expected.  But take Picoides villosus -- the Hairy Woodpecker. This rascal almost wants to be unseen.  And every time I count species I ache for one to present itself for the census.  Which they never do.  Earlier in the weekend I had that ache and misidentified Downy Woodpeckers twice. Not so here.  That long beak is unmistakeable.  And that left me blissfully snapping photo after photo as this female Hairy stopped by for a bite (hint: no red on the head).  Two happinesses: seeing the Hairy, and getting the identification right!

Look Who Dropped By!

It's always a special moment here when we welcome a Hairy Woodpecker to our feeders.  They don't come by very often.  In fact months can go by without a sighting at the suet basket.  This female evidently thought a quick bite was in order a few days ago.  Why they don't come more often is a great mystery.  All other woodpecker species save the sapsuckers are fairly regular clients.  Well, so it is.  Good to see this bird.  I hope more visits come this winter.

The Hairy Returns in Style

We haven't seen a Hairy Woodpecker in some time, and when one shows up, he makes quite a splash.  This bird immediately grasped the concept of the anti-grackle suet feeder.  BirdCam took several photos of the Hairy today -- at different points in the day.  And with his arrival, and views of a chickadee, we have four confirmed species who've used this suet feeder.  It will be interesting to see if the Hairy hangs around (literally) and how many more species join this parade.