Juvenile Red-headed woodpecker

[momofjbsl]

I live near Mitchell, ON., and have had a juvie red-headed woodpecker at my feeders for 4 days in a row now.  Does anyone have an opinion on whether he/she will stay around all winter?  I would love to see one in adult plumage and from what I gather from Sibley's, they don't change to red till about Feb.

Thanks.

Carol

[momofjbsl]

The answer to my question is being answered.  My juvie red-headed woodpecker is still here and today he sat on the windowsill where we have some feed.  At the edge of the spot where the white breast meets the dark head, a small patch of red is coming in nicely.  It's going to be exciting to watch this develop if he continues to stay here.

[Ann Brokelman]

That is a real treat to have in your back yard.  Keep us posted.

[momofjbsl]

Thank you, Ann.  I have been quite excited about this and to think I may get to watch him/her change colours is amazing!

[Ann Brokelman]

I saw my first red headed woodpecker last year in Thickson woods Whitby.  I watched him/her for well over 2 hours.  I was totally amazed by the colour.  Have you been able to take any photos of the juv.  

Ann

[momofjbsl]

No, my camera is totally inadequate.  My nephew is hoping to get out in the next week or so and get a photo.  I'll get him to post it for me when that happens.

[momofjbsl]

I can now see the red that is growing in when the bird sits on the platform feeder which is approximately 20-25 feet away from the window. Previously I only noticed it when it sat on the windowsill To my eye, the head is getting a lighter shade of brown.  Sometimes I feel that I can see traces of red on it.  Still no photo.  Sorry.

[MikeIrwin]

At long last; a photo (taken today):



Mike

[Lee]

Beautiful shot!  It looks like he posed for you!

[Ann Brokelman]

what an amazing shot.  nicely done.  Thank you for posting it.  WOW.  you are so lucky to see this.  congrats.  Ann

[Pat Hodgson]

hopefully the tail will grow in too!!

[momofjbsl]

I'm not sure what I should be looking for regarding the tail growing in.  I've never seen one of these birds before.

Carol

[MikeIrwin]

Thanks for the compliments on the shot. I think his tail looks worse in the photo than it is; he is just holding it away from the camera. Here's another shot where you can see it more clearly:



Hopefully he'll hang around long enough to see him live up to his name!

[Ann Brokelman]

Mike great shots.  Enjoy this wonderful young bird.  Ann