March 31, 2023

I am a male Northern Flicker

I can be found in stands of dead trees

You know I'm male cause I've got a big mustache

To my mate I'm incredibly sexy!

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Colaptes_auratus/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 6, 2023

I am known as a Northern Flicker,

I'm known to fight with Starlings for nesting sites

Sometimes I eat fruits and berries; other times

I go for ants and insects when I want a bite.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-flicker

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 7, 2022

This is a feather from a Northern Flicker

Pigmentation is based on the bird's diet

Metabolic processes also contribute -

It's easier to be natural than to try to tie-dye it.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Little League Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/norfli/cur/appearance

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 7, 2022

I am a Northern Flicker,

I have yellow under my wings and tail

In the west I've red there, and just to compare - 

If I'm a hybrid, either trait might prevail.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/overview

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 14, 2020

On the left, there is a Red-bellied Woodpecker

On the right is a Northern Flicker

When comparing their shape, size and color -

Start with the beak - the flicker's is thicker.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/species-compare/60403261

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 19, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am a Northern Flicker
You can find me on the ground eating ants
Sometimes I get into a "fencing duel"
To impress a female I hope to romance.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Northern Flicker

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 10, 2017

Location: Sebastian, Sebastian Scrub

I'm a Northern Flicker,
I'm in the woodpecker family.
My flight pattern is similar to all woodpeckers,
My wingbeats go: schwoop... schwoop...weeee

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson