Northern Flickers (Pics flamboyants) are back!

18 April 2016

Benjamin Park Trail

Waterloo, ON

     The Benjamin Park Trail is located right behind our house, thus being a convenient spot to go for a walk. 

     Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus is a migratory woodpecker which leaves our area in late fall and returns only in early spring. It seems as though once one is spotted, several others are seen in in quick succession.

     On our walk at the Westmount Golf and Country Club we had heard flickers but had been unable to spot one. On the Benjamin Park Trail there were at least four, with one male already excavating a nest hole.

     A couple of the other birds tried to usurp this industrious individual from his hole, but none were successful.

     In addition to the flickers many Ruby-crowned Kinglets Regulus calendula were moving through. This species flits about constantly and is difficult to photograph; especially when it flashes its ruby crown for the briefest of moments. This is the best I could do.

     There were many other species present, but this Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia seemed particularly ardent and deserving of inclusion.

     It's another fine day out there; perhaps I'll go for a walk after lunch and see what else might be newly arrived.