This Red-bellied Woodpecker showed up yesterday and left little room for doubt that he would be dining alone.
The recipient of his “Don’t mess with me!” attitude was this Gray Catbird, who was already on the branch when the Woodpecker arrived. I took a couple pictures of him, but chose to include this one because it shows the rusty rear patch that is usually hidden away, tucked beneath his tail feathers.
Now, “first come, first served” is an acceptable practice in the people world, but in the bird world, it’s “the longer beak moves you up on the reservation list.”
The Red-bellied commandeered the branch and ate his fill, never letting down his guard…
… then once he had flown away, the Catbird returned and enjoyed the leftovers.
Never a dull moment when it comes to backyard dining!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Beautiful clear pics Kathy, always a treat to see your colourful birds!
Wow! Great shots Kathy! We have these visiting our bird feeders, but I have never capture such amazing shots. Beautiful!
Thanks! I spread a little “Bark Butter” on that branch to lure them closer. 🙂
Nice!!! 🙂
Gordon Ramsay as a red-bellied woodpecker with attitude …. yep, I can see it… 😉
You always make me smile! Thanks. 🙂
People often talk negatively about “bully birds” — blue jays often seem to get that title, although I’ve never witnessed them behaving like that. But for some reason, I admire the red-bellied woodpeckers for their more aggressive behaviors. I have even seen them scoot a chipmunk from the top of the stump feeder, which always makes me laugh.
I think this fellow was more beak than bite!
🙂 He just knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it!