H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 569 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker of the Picidae family. It breeds in southern Canada, northeastern Mexico, and the northeastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida and as far west as Texas. Its common name is somewhat misleading, as the most prominent red part of its plumage is on the head; the red-headed woodpecker, however, is another species that is a rather close relative but looks quite different.

I have seen this species previously in Florida. This year I’m happy to say I have them in my own backyard. I just hope that they come and nest here and be a permanent resident under my care.

Photo Gallery

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, nature, photography, photos of birds, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Look Outside my Window!

Hello folks! I’m happy that you are here to look outside my window. The past few days have been rough for us. Such as the terrible news about terror attack in California this time resulting in tragic loss of lives. This is madness what we are experiencing all around the world. It’s so hard to understand.

We also had very cold days, with frosty mornings and chilled winds the rest of the day. Very few birds are showing up lately because of the not so kind weather and I’m having problems with a stray cat that is constantly hunting the birds and spooking them. The worse part is: He’s being successful with his hunt unfortunately!. I keep chasing him out of my backyard but he’s very persistent!

If the cat is not near then I get a few visitors like that one! Look to your right it’s a male House Finch. He is a local resident and if he is here then his family must be near by as usual. They are very nice birds. They make excellent parents.

One of the species of birds that are always present are the Mourning Doves, just like that one! up on that branch. Avid and compulsive eaters, they love to be in flocks but they are continuously fighting each other. Does it sound familiar to you?

There on the left, it’s a Carolina Chickadee, what a great little bird, busy like a bee. All day long he is going back and forth getting seeds for his nest’s storage space. These birds are very conscious of the coming Winter and he’ll do the necessary to have enough supplies for in case of extreme weather. Good for them!

Hey, look who’s there, my good friend the Carolina Wren. He’s my helper and current resident of my backyard. He is also a shoe-in for singing the Opera “Pagliacci”. He has the voice for it! Bravo!