Thursday Birdblogging

Hairy Woodpecker, courtesy of 1Watt Hermit

The larger of two look alikes, the Hairy Woodpecker is a small but powerful bird that forages along trunks and main branches of large trees. It wields a much longer bill than the Downy Woodpecker's almost thornlike bill. Hairy Woodpeckers have a somewhat soldierly look, with their erect, straight-backed posture on tree trunks and their cleanly striped heads. Look for them at backyard suet or sunflower feeders, and listen for them whinnying from woodlots, parks, and forests.

also;
Cool fact: Hairy Woodpeckers find their food by feeling the vibrations made by insects moving about in the wood. They also can hear the insects munch on the wood!

1Watt Hermit has a delightful Flickr site with many shots of the birds he watches through his window. I chose one but recommend them all, and recommend you try watching some in your own yard too.