Participant Photo: Northern Flicker

I am excited because I have had two flickers in my yard this winter. We recently had five inches of snow, and I’ve seen both of them–in the trees, on the ground, and drinking from the bird bath. I’ve even seen one hanging upside down from one of the suet feeders. Yesterday I watched a flicker on the ground, under trees where there was no snow, flicking dirt and vegetation around, looking for something to eat. A blue jay landed near by, and the flicker chased it off. I’m always amazed at how big these birds are. I find them quite beautiful as well.