Spring Red-headed Woodpecker

This gorgeous Red-headed Woodpecker was perched on a branch when I photographed it on May 21st at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

Spring Red-headed Woodpecker adult – Canon R7, beanbag, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

His or her red head seemed to glow in the morning light against the green leaves in the background. The woodpecker was near Miner’s Cove at the refuge.

I didn’t see Red-headed Woodpeckers at all while I lived in Utah, so each and every time I see them now, I am thrilled.

Getting photos of these woodpeckers? That’s the sprinkles on my cupcake!

Red-headed Woodpeckers are year-round residents at the refuge, and they’re quite numerous too. There are plenty of snags, or dead trees, for them to nest in, which suits them just fine.

Red-headed Woodpeckers aren’t sexually dimorphic, which means males and females look the same. Both have that striking red head, neck, throat, and shoulders, along with black wings and tail, and clean white bellies.

The youngsters really stand out with their brown heads that slowly turn red as they grow up. I haven’t photographed one at the refuge yet, but I’d sure love to.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are one of just four North American woodpeckers that stash food, and they’re the only ones that cover their snacks with wood or bark. They hide insects and seeds in cracks, under bark, fence posts, and other items.

Harsh weah! calls usually clue me in on the presence of a Red-headed Woodpecker. I hear them before I see them at the refuge about half the time.

Seeing and photographing these striking woodpeckers at Sequoyah NWR is a wonderful gift I never take for granted.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-headed Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.