Two juvenile woodpeckers, of the Red-bellied variety, arrived in the backyard today. They were old enough to be chaperone free, but young enough to still display a comical lack of coordination.
The first landed (more like collided) on the side of the Dogwood, hugged the tree for a moment, and then ventured a look about.
Spying the peanut feeder, he few over to investigate this fabulous food source.
The second bird seemed a bit younger, but no less inquisitive. He gripped the deck rail awkwardly and watched his counterpart pecking at the peanuts.
Then he flew to the side of the Oak and waited for an opportune moment to take over this coveted territory for himself.
Within a matter of moments, he swooped over and tackled his rival, and they both went tumbling away in a tangle of wings.
Now that they have discovered this land of plenty, I am certain they will be back. And before long, they will be boasting their bold colors (like the adult male below) and navigating the backyard feeders like a pro.
Backyard Bird Nerd 
So cute!
Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
I was LOL at Tree-Hugger’s expression! And the “Li’l Bro” is the perfect teenager: punky hairdo, loud shirt and oversized ‘sneakers’. 😉
They were quite entertaining – especially “Li’l Bro”!
Aww I love these little babies. So adorable, Kathy!
They are cute in the most awkward sort of way! (Sort of like my pictures from Junior High!)
Lol! :))
So cute. We go through 2 cakes every two days with all the woodpeckers!!
I know what you mean! I’m fairly certain I keep the bird seed businesses booming!
you and me both kathy! 🙂
Funny how awkward the babies are! We have a couple of annoying adult woodpeckers at the lake that are pecking into metal. I got up early one morning to “talk” to it. It flew away but as soon as I climbed back into bed, it started again! LOL! 😊
Funny you should use that adjective – we actually call the baby red-bellied’s “Awkwards”. You will hear someone in the house yell, “Mom! There’s an Awkward on the feeder!”
Oh, that is funny! 😊
I have never seen the juveniles, and I think they are charming in a gawky, awkward way. Terrific post, Kathy.
They are that kind of cute that only a mother could love! (Or a birdnerd 🙂 )
Great little presentation and pics Kathy!
Adorable captures! I’ve been seeing some young red-bellies here, too. Matter-of-fact yesterday I heard the tell-tale squeak/squaw of a bird demanding to be fed and glanced out my window to see a young yellow-bellied being fed by its mother. I grabbed my camera but the baby ducked down farther on the stump so that he/she could no longer be seen, except the beak sticking up when the mother put the food in. A special moment, even if I didn’t get successful photos!
They are so lovely!!! Thanks for sharing!
Love the tale! Gorgeous photos!
Thanks…and thanks for stopping by! 🙂