Typically, a Memorial Day post would feature red, white and blue and be about defending our freedom (and I am truly grateful for the freedoms I have and those who have defended them!) but in my backyard, Memorial Day features red, white and black and is about defending the feeders.
Since earlier this month, a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers has made my backyard a daily dining spot.
They take turns coming to the feeders, which leads me to believe that they have eggs or a little one in a nearby nest. They would be hard to tell apart if it wasn’t for their personalities.
The first (let’s say it’s the male) has gotten brave and is usually not at all concerned by my presence. He has a clear routine when he shows up, announcing his arrival with noisy chatter.
First, he swoops in and lands on his favorite perch…
….then, after he surveys the scene and communicates that this territory belongs to him…
… he flies over to grab a peanut…
…and then returns to the perch, jamming the peanut in a crevice of the wood so he can peck at it.
The other half of the pair is a bit more cautious and tends to skit from branch to branch before coming closer.
Rather than peanuts, she seems to prefer Bark Butter.
Neither of them are fond of this other red, white, and black fellow…
…and will swoop down in an open-beaked blur to defend their food supply.
I am hoping that they will eventually have a youngster to bring to the feeders, although then they tend to get even more territorial.
Seriously though, aren’t these birds absolutely beautiful?
So, as I observe Memorial Day, I am doubly thankful – for the red, white and blue and for the red, white and black!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
They are seriously beautiful! Wonderful photographs!
I wish you could see them in person – you would be amazed at how bold their colors are.
I know I would Kathy, and I would love to see them so much!
They are beautiful, and your photos are too!
I never get over how stunning they are.
Nice. Red, White and Black is fine with me.
Woohoo. They’re back and beautiful as ever!
I think I catch my breath every time they show up.
Such beautiful birds. Great captures of them.
Thank you. They are definitely one of my favorites.
One of my favorites too.
Magnificent captures, Kathy. At the refuge I am frequenting, there is a large area of snags that is full of Red-headed Woodpeckers right now. All are at a distance, but to see them fly around in the mornings, collecting and feeding the young in the tree nests is quite eye-catching and pretty. I know you would love it!
Sounds amazing!
Gorgeous shots of both variety of woodpecker! I think the red headed woodpeckers are stunners. You’re so lucky to have such visitors Kathy!
They are such beautiful birds – strange that they are not friendly toward the red-bellied woodpecker … their own brethren.
I sooooo do enjoying seeing your pictures. They are so vibrant! I bet seeing them in person is so much better, but really, you’ve given us excellent photos as if we were there too! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend. Koko 🙂
Thank you. It brings me joy to share them. 😊