topic Re: Northern Flicker in Community Chat

Northern Flicker

Hopein24 — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:09:08 GMT

We feed the birds and last Summer, I bought a clear acrylic feeder that hangs by suction cups to the outside of the window. Best 14.00 I have ever spent! The window it is in is above the kitchen sink and as I was doing dishes one day, a gorgeous Northern Flicker Woodpecker flew in and landed on the edge of the food tray, ( which is small at 4" long X 2" wide). I froze right where I stood and watched as he wedged himself into the feed tray to eat! He had tiny black hearts all over his chest and a red band on the back of his head. Under his wings was bright yellow!

It was funny to see him inside the food tray and then he began to suck birdseed, where it had gotten stuck between the window and the feeder and at first, it looked like he was sucking the seeds out. On closer inspection, he was sticking his 3" skinny tongue in the crevice and pulling out the stuck seeds! I had never seen this type of bird before, let alone a bird with a tongue that looked like a thick thread! Soon, his Wife showed up and ran him out so she could eat. Love watching all the different birds.

Re: Northern Flicker

Susan Louise — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:23:09 GMT

@Hopein24 Thanks for sharing...what a fun experience you had! DH and I have been birders for decades now. We especially enjoy the Spring & Fall migration periods.

A few years ago while DH and I were walking through one of our local parks, we spied a Northern Flicker in early spring checking out a possible new site for a nesting spot.

I took this pic and added a caption...

Re: Northern Flicker

Icegoddess — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:44:30 GMT

Our state bird, although I haven't seen any recently.

Re: Northern Flicker

Kachina624 — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:54:02 GMT

@Hopein24. Y9u had an exciting experience. I would have loved it had you been able to get a photo.

Re: Northern Flicker

Hopein24 — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:35:25 GMT

@Kachina624 @I will try to get a pic and post it here.

Re: Northern Flicker

Hopein24 — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:42:49 GMT

@Susan Louise I am fairly new to bird feeding, (about a year) and I do love watching them all. We have a beautiful Cardinal couple that come and eat and also a Bluejay couple! He comes to the feeder and loads up on seeds and takes them back to her, as she apparently is sitting on the nest. Love your pic and the caption! 🪺

Re: Northern Flicker

Ainhisg — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:36:44 GMT

I've been watching birds for just short of a year now. I can't believe how much I (we) enjoy it. Northern flickers are in Missouri, but I've not seen one in our yard yet.

Re: Northern Flicker

Carolina925 — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:53:37 GMT

I love Northern Flickers! They visit my yard but I've not seen them at the feeders. They visit usually right after my yard has been cut, munching down on insects or worms, I suppose. They show up around Jan/Feb here in SC, perfect timing because their feathers look like they have little hearts all over.

Re: Northern Flicker

Natureluvr — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:01:47 GMT

I live in Northern Delaware and love seeing the different birds in our backyard. We also have one of the acrylic feeders attached to our kitchen window. It’s great for seeing them up close!

We get a good variety of birds using several feeders, different types of seeds, and dried mealworms. I put out peanuts to keep the squirrels away from the bird seed (as much as possible.) Blue Jays love them, too.

We also have several birdhouses around the yard as well as a birdbath. One of my favorites to see is the bluebird. They’ve nested in one of the houses several years in a row. My kids call me “The Bird Lady.” 😄

Re: Northern Flicker

We rescue cats — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:02:36 GMT

I love watching and listening to flickers but have never had the opportunity to see one that close up! What a treat!