Faith, Folklore, and Friends

This downy woodpecker became rather riled when the brown thrasher tried to run him away from the suet.  The brown thrasher, much bigger, seemed annoyed that the woodpecker tried to defend his territory.  The thrasher won, eventually driving the woodpecker away, but not before a glorious show of feathers. Both are regular visitors to the bird feeders, but this is the first time I have seen a confrontation. Sorry about the poor quality of the image, but it was taken through a window, and the birds were moving fast!

Rose-breasted grosbeaks migrate through our area from about the middle of April until early May.  They seemed a little later this year. I watched the feeders for days before they showed up.  It was worth the wait. I have been trying, without success, to get some photos since they have been here.  This morning, I managed to get a few by staying inside and not disturbing them.  These shots were taken through two panes of glass, so please forgive me if they seem a little fuzzy.  They hide in the scaly-bark hickory tree just off the deck. This handsome fellow seems to really enjoy the woodpecker suet. I'm really glad I was able to get these shots before they take off for the northeast.  Y'all can come back anytime!