This year is the first one that our tiny apple tree has borne fruit and I’ve been both uncertain and lazy about harvesting it. The first one I picked was definitely not ready. Ready or not, the other day I was pleased to discover that it’s providing a welcome food source for northern flickers (colaptes auratus) that have been steadily pecking at them. They’ve come back repeatedly for lunch.
I haven’t been able to get any closer than these shots. They’ve got that “here comes another dumb photographer” radar and take off the minute I touch the door to move in for a better view. Northern flickers are members of the woodpecker family. They have a black bib on their chests that looks a bit like a big heart. They often visit urban gardens in the winter.
One of my favourites, not least because they provide photo opportunities all year long.
Hmmm. A flicker picker. Not good if’n you want apples to eat. I haven’t seen an apple tree in a long time…being living south. Now if you want an orange or grapefruit … c’mon down.
What a cute little fellow! Love both shots.
What beautiful images of a cute little bird 🙂
Love them too… another is Magpies in eastern WA, I’ve stalked them for years and have yet to get a decent shot…
ah yes, thats so nice about having a garden… i forgot that!