These photographs taken a few days ago are cool for a number of reasons:
- This may be the first time ever that a Red-Headed Woodpecker has nested in Duluth.
- Audubon has designated the Red-Headed Woodpecker a bird of “special concern” due to a decrease in numbers … mainly due to habitat loss.
- Ever since I was a young boy and was given the book, Song and Garden Books of North America, I have had a special place in my heart for “red”. There were about eight birds in the book which I found extremely neat, and wanted to see in my life. This woodpecker is one of those eight bird species. What are your special birds and why?
My thanks to the folks who helped me find this woodpecker (not named on purpose), and the location other than saying “Duluth” is stated in a general way to protect the nesting location.
Red-Headed Woodpecker Feeding its Young
Cover of National Geographic Book
Rich- wonder if this is the same bird I have visiting daily here. What a treasure to see it. I hope more visits of the RHW in future years.
Three years ago we had a pair of red headed wood peckers nest in a tree on our property. It was wonderful to watch them raise their young. We live on the north shore not far from town. We had one bird visit our property this year but didn’t stay. Glad to see they are still nesting in the Duluth area. Thanks for the photos.
Oh I am so happy you did not have to travel to NW WI for your ‘fix’ on red-headed woodpeckers this year, Rich. So wonderful they have made it to Duluth.
Would always be happy to visit!