Today was woodpecker day in the front garden. We use dead logs to mark the edges of the “flower beds” – it has a certain rustic charm, helps us use up the deadfalls, and creates hiding places for the bugs and grubs – a food source for woodpeckers.
![](http://karls-farm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_0044.png)
The male hairy woodpecker has a red mark on the back of his head, so this must be a female.
![](http://karls-farm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_0049.png)
The yellow-shafted flicker is another bug eater who also eats fruits. The bluebirds weren’t here today, so the flickers took advantage of the sumac patch.
![](http://karls-farm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_0052.png)
In this picture, you can just see the bright yellow underside of the tail.
![](http://karls-farm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_0048.png)
I suppose it isn’t rude to turn your back when you have a red heart on the back of your head.
![](http://karls-farm.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_0059.png)
I’m always impressed when the pileated woodpeckers show up. They are large but very timid and would be almost impossible to spot if it weren’t for the bright red crest.