When you see a Red-bellied Woodpecker, the actual red on his belly is usually so faint that you scratch your head and wonder, “Who in the world named this bird? And what was he drinking at the time?”
Well, one of the male Red-bellied’s that has been showing up in my backyard lately has quite the belly blush!
He is also extremely inhospitable! The other day, as he was exploring the branches I have strapped to my deck and partaking of the Bark Batter that is smeared on the back of them, another male Red-bellied came near. This fellow immediately flew over and told the newcomer in no uncertain terms that he was not welcome ’round here. I love how he flared his head feathers to add a bit more fierceness!
Then Blush Belly flew back over to the branches and continued his feasting.
Despite his territorial tendencies, he really is a handsome fellow!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
We have these too! I love the shots you capture. You’ve been MIA a few days. Hope all is well. Hey – I bought a bird bath. I think it might take a while for the birds to find it and get comfortable. I did notice a cowbird take a drink the other day. I can’t wait to see if they will splash and take baths! 🙂 It’s just heating up again around here this week, so maybe they need to get pretty toasty first 🙂
My router went down, so I was without internet this past week!
Can’t wait for you to get some bathing birds! 🙂
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Glad you’re back Kathy. I was out sick this week so … sisters again. Hub and I were just talking about this the other day, I don’t call these birds by their name because it bugs me that they are misnamed lol! I’ve never seen one with a belly blush before. Great shots, as always. Have a great weekend!
Thanks. Hope you are feeling better! I was without internet for the week, and didn’t really miss it except for the blogging!
Haha no doubt! Yes, I think the fever may finally be gone for good. I really miss painting.
You mean they are not called red-headed woodpeckers? Gosh, I think I’ve been calling them by the wrong name.
There is another Woodpecker whose whole head is red, and he was awarded the name Red-headed Woodpecker. This guy had to settle for Red-bellied. 🙂
Ha, I will have to check out the one that comes to my feeder and apologize if I’ve called him by the wrong name. I probably need to download a bird identification app. Happy holiday weekend. Keep that camera buzzing!
WOW WOW WOW
Beautiful photographs!
Thanks!
Ok…so I am not sure how I missed seeing your blog before, but I love your pictures and am now following. 🙂
Thanks very much! Glad you are.
This is the most belly blush I’ve seen on these fellows! He is definitely “red-bellied” 🙂
Handsome indeed! Love that belly blush!