Red-headed Woodpecker - Luke Tiller
But I prefer Red-heads. Well Red-headed Woodpeckers anyway! There can hardly be a bird that combines just three colors that has such an amazing wow factor in North America as the Red-headed Woodpecker. Although essentially a southern species these birds seem to wander north into the upper reaches of New York State in small numbers. Interestingly the first ‘good’ bird I ever found in the states was a Red-headed Woodpecker over at Stratford Point in Connecicut a few Junes ago; probably a post breeding wanderer (Stratford Point is now obviously more famously as the site of the long staying White-tailed Kite). I can distinctly recall the excitement of finding this bird with long-time friend and birding buddy Penny Solum and even better it stayed around long enough for a few of the states more notable birders to go see it, which was nice.
Anyway this was another nice addition to the Bigby list and one that I both was pleased to get a decent (for digiscoping) picture of and hope will actually hang on to breed.You can find out more about the species on the Cornell All About Birds Website (here). Bigby list so far = 151 with these new additions: Green Heron, Whip-poor-will, Red-Headed Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Horned Lark, Wood Thrush, Black-Throated Green Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Under Clear Skies 