A few weeks ago we noticed a new bird visiting our back yard. With his crimson capped head and graphic white and black feathers, he created a dramatic contrast against the scrub jays, flickers, and robins that frequent our feeders. E looked through his bird books and we identified our visitor as an acorn woodpecker.
After consulting with a colleague, who is also a seasoned birder, we learned that there are only four previous documented sightings of acorn woodpeckers east of the Cascades - and two of those only stayed in the area for a day or so. We are tickled that this avian pioneer of sorts has chosen our back yard as his new hangout.
This particular woodpecker appears perfectly content in our neighborhood. I've noticed him flying from tree to tree in the cul de sac among the neighbors' homes. And he's been rather industrious pecking a hole into one of our numerous juniper and feasting on the bird feeders.
I've enjoyed observing him so much, I find myself wishing he'd bring some friends over the mountains to join him.
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