Saturday, February 23, 2008

Common Flicker

I have been waiting to see the Flickers.
Hoping they would come to the gardens.

I have heard them off and on all month,
"klee-yer, klee-yer, klee-yer."
Last year they were here in January.

This morning I saw this Flicker while sitting at my desk.
He was looking for bugs in the front maple tree.
This is a Yellow-shafted Flicker. A nice sized bird, 12-14 inches.
I think his mate is near by.

It is still cold and only partly sunny.
The Common Flicker has warmed me up.
I want to spend some time outside.

16 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I love flickers. Last fall there were scads of them up at Hasty Brook eating grasshoppers along side the dirt roads.

Cheryl said...

Flickers, they are new to me. You have such stunning birds around, how lucky you are. Weather here is dull cold and windy. So changeable.
I have uploaded some photographs of butterflies on my blog. I took them last year. Please make a visit, I think you will enjoy them.
Hope the sun comes out soon.

Q said...

Dear Lynne,
I too love the Flickers. I do not see them very often. Sometimes in late winter they will come to the yard. I have never seen them at the feeders or the nuts and suet.
I hope this one comes back and brings its mate.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
One of the joys of blogging is seeing the different birds and butterflies from all over the world. I do pretty well with different varieties of birds considering I live in the city. The little wooded areas around help out as does the cemetry across the street. All I can provide is some shelter and food.
I enjoyed your butterflies so very much. You have very different butterflies than I do. I was wondering about the names. I will check back with you and see if you posted the names. I have a birds book of the birds of England but not hte butterflies. I think there is a web site that has id for England. I will check it out too.
Thank you for letting me know you posted pictures.
Hugs and smiles,
May the sun shine for you too.
Sherry

Mary said...

Sherry, I haven't seen a Flicker! You're so lucky! You will feel and smell spring very soon.

Anonymous said...

Flickers are such great birds and can't wait till mine return within the next month or so! Thanks

Q said...

Dear Mary,
I hear them often when I am in the woods. I seldom can get photos. I do not see them very often in my yard. I sure hope they come back!
I bought a different nut mix today at Wild Bird. It is more for the Woodpeckers and Flickers. Maybe the Nuthatches will also enjoy it!
I hope the Starlings don't!
I looked on the range map and they are year round residents in your area. I bet you will see one next time you are on a bird walk.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Tom,
They do breed up in your neck of the woods. Seeing them in the yard is always a treat. I know they must be hungry if they left the woods. I could stop at a bait shop and get some crickets. I bet lots of the bug eaters would like some fresh crickets!
Now I will have come up with a cricket feeder. LOL
Sherry

Sandy said...

Just this very morning we sat and watched two varieties of woodpeckers in our back yard. I was quite amazed to see eight of them together. Lovely shots!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I do love the Flicker Sherry. I feel a special affinity with the Flicker. We often have one here during summer. They are great anters. I love to watch them. This is one bird I always wish I could touch physically as well as with the heart.

Q said...

Dear Sandi,
Watching the birds, for me, is so calming. I quickly forget all about laundry and vacuuming! As the seasons begin to change I know I could see a different bird in the yard so I look up often from my desk.
Eight woodpeckers is fun!
I have a new woodpecker mix I am trying out. The nuts are bigger than my old mix and I like the way the nuts stay in the feeders. The Woodpeckers seem to like it too and the Starlings don't! I like that.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
When I read your comment I looked up the symbolism of the Flicker.
For the american Indiand the Flicker was a courageous bird!
In my reading it says, "...new bounding leaps of spiritual growth...a stimulation of the head,throat,brow and crown...latent talents and intuition are going to be activated to a greater degree.... changes will be in your perceptions...
The Yellow Shafted Flicker symbolizes the New Moon and sensitivity of the heart...
The Flicker's, "cycle of power" is summer.
There is more. I bet your love of the Flicker has a special meaning for you.
Flicker is teaching you.
I enjoy reading about the ancient symbolism....
Do you like percussion instruments?
Sherry

Chrissie said...

These birds are certainly well camoflaged against the bark of the trees. I don't think we have them here unless they come under a different name :-) I'm pleased it was warmer for you :-)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Yes Sherry I love percussion insturments.

Q said...

Dear Chris,
The Flickers do blend in well. Plus these pictures were taken through the office window so they are not the crisp, clear images I like so well. The movement of the Flicker is what caught my eye. Like any wise bird my peripheral vision is increasing.
Slowly we are moving into warmer temperatures. Thank goodness!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
I think every one has a special bird that "talks" to them. A bird that resonates with them. Not every one takes the time to know their bird but those of us that do, can learn so much from "our" bird!
Now whenever I see or think about the Flickers I will think of you!
Sherry of the Swans