Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The Friendly Flicker!!

The Northern Flicker is a bird I would normally see only 1 day each fall,
then never again until the following fall.
I have been super excited to see this Northern Flicker
spend his winter in my yard this year.
I have seen him every single day since November.







 
All of these images were taken through the glass window,
they are not cropped.
 
I can't tell you how thrilling it is to be this close to a wild bird.
To have the opportunity to see his marking so clearly,
to learn his likes, dislikes and to know so much about his personality.
 
These images were taken on January 3, 2014 
 

29 comments:

Montanagirl said...

Amazing shots of the Flicker! So happy you got to see one up close. I believe it's a Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker....They're so beautiful.

Farm Girl said...

Wow that is what the one looks like that I tried to get pictures of I am so glad you got him up close. I had not seen the red on the back of his head. I have seen it when they are flying but until this picture I hadn't really seen it. Thank you for posting these today. They really are the birds I look forward to seeing in the fall. Ours will be leaving any day now. I think we have four to six.
Beautiful shots.

Willow said...

Fantastic shots and he does look quite happy !

Karen said...

Oh, I'd be excited too! He's gorgeous Debbie! Wonderful close-ups! My birds are right outside the window too, isn't it great!

TexWisGirl said...

just beautiful! i love these birds and their varying color shades - and the way their spots 'float' on their chests.

Nancy said...

Just love the spots!

And about the fallen petals -- you are learning well, grasshopper. Lol.

Muffie said...

What a beautiful bird! Your yard must be so inviting since so many birds come to visit. As always, I love your photos.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

glad you got the chance to capture the shots. always enjoy bird "close-ups". it is so cold here today in the low 20's. hope you are staying warm & cozy. ( :

Ela said...

Wow ! Debbie, what a wonderful bird! I've never seen this bird. He is really wonderful. Amazing shots !
Greetings

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I love FLICKERS they are so beautiful great shots.He found a good place to hand out. Hug B

Lisa Gordon said...

He is such a handsome fella, Debbie, and he surely must trust you to be that close to him, even with a window separating you. I love that little red patch on the back of his neck! :-)

Ruth Hiebert said...

Excellent shots.

Miss Debbie said...

Wow...he is beautiful! He must really like and trust you! :-)

Gail Dixon said...

The flicker is an extraordinarily beautiful bird! How awesome you were THAT close. Amazing photography. Wow. Just wow!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Wow those are some great window shot closeups, Debbie. My recent bird shots have been from inside my kitchen window and the tree where the birds have been sitting is quite a distance.

eileeninmd said...

Lucky you, Debbie! He is A BEAUTY TOO. Awesome photos.

Brian King said...

These are fantastic, Debbie! Great feather detail! Love those dots! We haven't had any Flickers this winter.

The Furry Gnome said...

And up here in the 'north', we never see them in the winter, but have them around nesting all summer. They've got such a raucous call in the spring. Fantastic pictures!

DeniseinVA said...

Your photos are fantastic Debbie and how wonderful that you've seen this beauty on a regular basis. I rarely get a sighting and it is always a thrill when I do.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

So pretty. Glad he stayed around all winter for you!

DIMI said...

Wow Debbie!What a beautiful bird!!So preety!!Amazing shots and captures!!How lucky you are,seeing all those lovely critters in your yard!Wish you a happy day!
Dimi...

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Those are beautiful photos Debbie. I love flickers, but like you used to be, I only see them occasionally. It would be wonderful to have one visit every day.

And PS, your windows must be a whole lot cleaner than mine. Your photos are so crisp and clear.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Great shots of a beautiful bird... Your yard must be like a stay at the Ritz, for birds :)

Unknown said...

HIs polka-dotted chest is just darling! I wonder why he stuck around this year?

Jenn Jilks said...

I've been doing the same thing. I do need to wash my windows, though!
Mind you, last time I did this the cleaning product froze on the window! Lose-lose situation!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

Anonymous said...

How amazing! Those are some awesome shots Debbie! I see them in the fall, but I wouldn't mind a bit if I could see them at my feeder every day. They are so beautiful!

LeAnn said...

Wow, that is one beautiful bird. I love all the colors and spots. Awesome pictures and I can just imagine how much fun you had studying and talking pictures of this one. I think it is fun that you see the personality of your birds.
Blessings for sharing this one!

weekend et coup de brosse said...

Très joli post ! de belles photos sur ton blog, j'aime beaucoup !
Have a nice day.
Cath.

Ida said...

You've got to love a bird who wears Polka Dots!