Northern Flicker

Not the best angle on this beautiful Northern Flicker and I wasn't going to post it. Then I changed my mind, for the sake of those who may not be familiar with this gorgeous bird. Also, I get very few photos of these birds. The brilliant yellow or orange under feathers and the black spots and bib make this Woodpecker a very easy bird to identify and enjoy. This one landed right overhead towards the end of a walk at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary last Thursday, and I wasn't quite as steady as I should have been, pointing directly upwards. I actually got over there again this morning, in the faint hope of possibly finding the little Northern Saw-whet Owl that has been seen by a few people recently. No luck for us, though.

We are definitely back to winter again, after yet more snow. It is as gloomy as can be today, depressingly grey. and I found it difficult to tell where the traffic lanes were on some of the roads because of the snow - something I never enjoy. Spring is just around the corner. Spring is just around the corner. Spring is ...... : )