Thursday, November 23, 2017

Lewis's Woodpecker


A Lewis's Woodpecker closely watches the activity atop another utility pole to the north. An intruder just landed close by and s/he looks rather motley.



The second Lewis's Woodpecker is just as concerned as the first. S/he also glances back often.

They both have something to hide... pecans!




Woodpecker #1 grabs its pecan and moves it around repeatedly, seemingly NOT wanting to share.




Woodpecker #2 looks to have been in a fight while not itching to be in another.

More likely it's just a molt.

(Click any picture to enlarge.)


Molts happen!
They aren't pretty!
There is no good reason to go into battle when you're not looking your best.

A staring battle went on for 20 minutes, though. Then both Lewis's Woodpeckers got to enjoy their respective pecan.

It was all a bit trivial in the end as the fencerow below was littered with thousands of pecans.

They just seemed to be very protective of THEIR pecan.

Allan
Credits: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
The Sibley's Guide to Birds

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