I don't very often see this woodpecker at my house, so I was thrilled when Mike spotted it out poking holes in the dam looking for ants? Sibley says that is their favorite food.
A handsome male.....as shown by the black malars.
Both male and female have the little red crescent on the nape of the neck.
In most of these photos you can see the dirty end of its bill showing how far it was stabbing it in the ground.
I hope it sticks around....we usually have plenty of ants.
Now how do I control the ants that want to come in the house without poisoning the woodpeckers or other birds? We always have ants when spring arrives.
A handsome male.....as shown by the black malars.
Both male and female have the little red crescent on the nape of the neck.
In most of these photos you can see the dirty end of its bill showing how far it was stabbing it in the ground.
I hope it sticks around....we usually have plenty of ants.
Now how do I control the ants that want to come in the house without poisoning the woodpeckers or other birds? We always have ants when spring arrives. 
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10 comments:
These are really good shots Mary, what a colourful bird.
We have Flickers around here too AND we have lots and lots of ants. I find where the ants dre coming in and put some sugar and borax whusses up together in a string around that location. They haul this back to the best, it gets fed to the babes and after a week or so the ants don't come anymore -- at least that is what I did pre Mingus. He might be tempted for a lick.
Beautiful pictures.I love watching Flickers dig for ants.
He is a handsome fellow, for sure. One sometimes comes here...but not real often.
What an interesting Woodpecker - most unusual i.e. not one we have here in UK. I've just posted about 'my' woodpecker again ... here.
These are wonderful pictures of the Northern Flicker. We see one or two around here on occasion.
With all our ants the Flickers here dine frequently, but I don't often get good pictures. Yours are excellant.
B.
Hi Mary, I love Northern Flickers... We are lucky here to have them close by... Such beautiful birds.
We are under a tornado watch tonight... GADS!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
I know from visual experience they also love suet!
Re killing ants - mix borax half and half with icing sugar. Kills the insects without hurting the furred and feathered.
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