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February 13, 2006
The Northern Flickers Are Announcing Spring
The nighttime temperatures are in the low 20's F. and daytime in the 40's F. Still cold for the Northwest, but combined with the lengthening days, the early flowers of Spring have begun blooming.
The loud Kekeke calls and short bursts of drumming of the Northern Flickers are reverberating through the forest around our house. Their breeding season has begun as they establish territory and announce themselves. They can be found in nearly any area with trees but require open areas as well. Eating insects and some fruits and berries they are commonly seen in city yards poking in the lawn. They nest in old trees with cavities for their nest site. My best photographs of flickers have been taken in a tree growing in a curb strip in the heart of Portland. Young flickers poking their heads out of a hole in a tree and begging for food is a sight to be seen. Flickers are one of my favorite birds for watching courtship displays and territorial defense behaviors. The next time you see a flicker pause and watch. You may see interesting displays like head swinging, wings being flicked open and birds charging one another. If you are lucky enough to find a nest site return periodically throughout the coming Spring to watch the young develop and fledge.
Posted by bill@birdingguide.com at February 13, 2006 06:01 PM
