Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus)

On another lunch break, I walked over to the grassy area below the tennis and basketball courts near my home. There’s a net setup for volleyball but I have never seen anyone use it. The volleyball field tends to be damp and the grass is quite lush from the runoff from the tennis and basketball courts. The east, west and northern side of the field is surrounded by large trees and dense bushes. Through the trees is a small rocky stream that runs from a source that eventually connects to the Millstone River to the east and winds through the woods into Rocky Hill.

The Northern flicker is a type of woodpecker commonly found in various habitats, including woodlands, parks, and even suburban areas with mature trees. Northern flickers primarily feed on insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, and termites. They also consume fruits and seeds, especially during the colder months when insects are less abundant. After I learned of this I recently added a mealworm and berry suet to the bird feeder.

I heard the spotted Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) calling loudly from an overhead branch of a tall tree that was in early frondescence. I’ve heard the Northern flicker ball calls before, in the wooded area just beyond the fence line at the back of my home. This is my first time seeing one.

Author:Khürt Williams

A human who works in information security and enjoys photography, Formula 1 and craft ale.