A Snowbird in Paradise

Tapping away at my laptop on the dining table I happened to look out just as "something" flew to the back of one of the palm trees. I grabbed the camera and changed lenses. "Oh, it will be gone", I thought. I looked out and there is was on a different palm...just going up and down the trunk poking it's beak into existing holes. Still in my nightie, I ran in to get dressed and looked again...there he still was.

I went out a door that might not disturb the bird. They are quick and flighty. Another palm stood between us and I used that as cover to get closer. I was able t shoot quite a few pictures at a few different settings.

Looking at the pictures in the Audubon Field Guide to Florida, I settled on the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, allowing for little differences and possible immaturity.

All About Birds website (see link to the side of this blog)

One of the few bird species endemic to the United States, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a bird of mature southern pine forests. Its preference for longleaf pine and the destruction of that habitat have resulted in the woodpecker becoming an endangered species.

• Medium-sized woodpecker.
• Black and white coloration.
• Large white cheek patch.
• Black back barred with white.
• Black cap.
• Black mustache and neck streak.
• Size: 20-23 cm (8-9 in)
• Wingspan: 36 cm (14 in)
• Weight: 42-52 g (1.48-1.84 ounces)