Saturday, January 10, 2015

A red headed visitor ~

The Pileated Woodpeckers were back today.  Good to see a splash of red in the fog.  I started taking photos through the front window and door, before realizing I should set up the tripod and get a video.  Well, with 'faffing' around with attaching the camera and raising and lowering the tripod's legs and finally getting it set up, I was surprised to see the woodpecker still on the tree.  Unfortunately, the part under the attachment wasn't screwed in tight enough and the camera was a bit wobbly.  However I have combined some photos in the video to show you what Mrs. W was up to.

First a still photo ~


Notice in the video that the woodpecker is taking a drink out of the cup on top of the hummingbird feeder.  This cup is filled with water to deter ants from climbing down and clogging up the feeder holes as they attempt to gorge themselves on nectar.  And now I have seen the cup used as a water source for birds :)  I bought the red cup and then fashioned something similar out of a small plastic pudding cup, a cork, a screw and a couple of hooks for the hummingbird feeder in the back.  It's held up well!  On to the video:


Posted by Glo at 5:05 PM

11 comments:

  1. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)January 10, 2015 at 6:41 PM

    Wow - great entertainment! Love that color.

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    Replies
    1. GloJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:56 PM

      Thanks JoAnn ~ a pop of colour in the fog was appreciated :)

      Delete
  2. FlightyJanuary 11, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    Fascinating birds. I generally only hear, and rarely catch a glimpse of, them here. Flighty xx

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    Replies
    1. GloJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Hi Flighty ~ They do have a unique call, which is what usually attracts my attention to see if one of them is at the feeders! They are then very noticeable!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:16 AM

    Woodpecker have a few tricks to cope with the wear and tear of hammering away like that.
    http://uphilldowndale.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/birds-eye-view/

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    Replies
    1. GloJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:58 PM

      Thanks for the link, UHDD ~ you've refreshed my memory after reading that on your blog a few years ago! Good job they have adaptations, otherwise they'd be nursing headaches for months!

      Delete
  4. SnowbirdJanuary 11, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Fantastic! I really enjoyed watching this....gosh, it got a good hole going so quickly didn't it? If it did that a few times a day it would make short work of your tree.xxx

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    Replies
    1. GloJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:59 PM

      Thanks Snowbird ~ well, she was back again today...but seems to have a plan in mind. Not sure if the tree is appreciating the attention... the bark is worse from its bite ;)

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  5. mrsnesbittJanuary 13, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    We had a woodpecker visit our feeding station a few weeks ago. I am buying some more supplies today as it is such a joy to observe through the snug window.

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    Replies
    1. GloJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:00 PM

      Hi Mrs. Nesbitt ~ yes they are very entertaining birds... and quite comical when viewed on video...at least I think so :)

      Delete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:54 PM

    Such a showy outfit! I enjoyed seeing her crane her head across to sip from the water.

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