Northern Flickers are large woodpeckers measuring over 12 inches in length. Their song – flicka-flicka-flicka-flicka can last up to 15 seconds and makes it easy to know when one is nearby. Males have what looks like a black mustache:

and females do not:

They nest in holes in trees which are frequently usurped by Starlings. Flickers have been known to throw out the usurpers and by laying many eggs they maintain their population.

We had a good look at Flickers in a nest hole today.

A few years ago, I got these photos of a Dad feeding his son:

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Other birds:

The Guild Inn is a great location for deer:

Today’s groups:

8 am:

11:30 am

NATURE POETRY

Would that thou could’st last for aye,
Merry, ever-merry May!
Made of sun-gleams, shade and showers,
Bursting buds, and breathing flowers.            – William D. Gallagher (1808–94)

Miles Hearn