CAPTURING THE BEAUTIFUL, THE MUNDANE, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY
IN THE CITY OF SUBDUED EXCITEMENT
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hairy Woodpecker
This hairy woodpecker joined us for brunch on Mother's Day at my aunt's house. Hmmm, I think our meal was a little tastier. Does anyone know why they were named "hairy" woodpeckers? He doesn't seem any hairier than the average bird...
What a cutie! You got him at the right moment. Here is what I found on the name: "Like its close relative the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker has a somewhat puzzling common name. The origin of these common names comes from the fact that both species were first described from dead specimens. In the hand, it is quite clear that the vertical stripe of white feathers on a Downy Woodpecker’s back is soft and smooth, while the feathers on a Hairy Woodpecker’s back are longer and shaggier. These differences are of little practical use in field identification, unfortunately, but sharpening your skills by finding Hairy Woodpeckers in the field is easier today than ever before." - ref. http://massaudubonblogs.typepad.com/massbirdatlas/2010/03/interim-report-102-hairy-woodpecker.html
Thank you Tash, for your insights into the hairy woodpecker! I guess this may be a downy woodpecker after all, since it didn't let me get any closer than this.
This hairy woodpecker joined us for brunch on Mother's Day at my aunt's house. Hmmm, I think our meal was a little tastier. Does anyone know why they were named "hairy" woodpeckers? He doesn't seem any hairier than the average bird...
What a cutie! You got him at the right moment.
ReplyDeleteHere is what I found on the name: "Like its close relative the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker has a somewhat puzzling common name. The origin of these common names comes from the fact that both species were first described from dead specimens. In the hand, it is quite clear that the vertical stripe of white feathers on a Downy Woodpecker’s back is soft and smooth, while the feathers on a Hairy Woodpecker’s back are longer and shaggier. These differences are of little practical use in field identification, unfortunately, but sharpening your skills by finding Hairy Woodpeckers in the field is easier today than ever before." - ref. http://massaudubonblogs.typepad.com/massbirdatlas/2010/03/interim-report-102-hairy-woodpecker.html
Must be a relative of another strange bird, the hairy potter...:)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot and wonderful information from Tash. This is what I love about blogging. Knowledge abounds!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tash, for your insights into the hairy woodpecker! I guess this may be a downy woodpecker after all, since it didn't let me get any closer than this.
ReplyDeleteNice shot. I saw a very loud woodpecker in our local park the other day, but he was too far away to get a good photo.
ReplyDeleteGo to Abe Lincoln's blog; he can answer any and all bird questions. This is a great capture.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post this is with the comments added in. Feels as if we're gathered around a table, looking out the window, having tea/coffee.
ReplyDelete