I’m not one that keeps a life list of birds that I’ve seen. But when the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) was mentioned as being active in Batesville (Albemarle County) Virginia, that got my attention. I’ve never seen one in Virginia, though they are listed as living here year round.

Today I got to see a couple of these beautiful birds. Unfortunately, though I did have my camera with me, I didn’t have the proper lens. That will come with me the next time.

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a fascinating bird that will store food, and will cover that insect or seed with wood or bark to hide it. It is only one of four woodpeckers in North America known to store food, and the only one known to cover the food this way. Grasshoppers are one of the foods stored, and these are stored alive. They are wedged into cracks in wood so tightly they have no way of escape. These food items are moved from place to place before the woodpecker finally eats them during the coldest times of the year.

I was struck by their appearance as they flew, appearing to be a bird that was almost totally white. I’ll be back to this location with my proper lens for the purpose of getting pictures of these birds soon, since I see they are nomadic and though I got to see them today, they may not be at this same location a year from now.

____________________________________________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts, sign up here!