Northern Flicker (female)

I have had lots and lots of backyard visitors over the past few weeks, now that temperatures have finally dropped. Though, as you can see in the photograph above, it’s not just seed and suet that are attracting the birds: there is a cedar tree at the edge of the woods behind my home that is abundant with berries this year. And those berries are a valuable food source.

Fun fact: berries are nutritionally important to many birds, especially in the wintertime. Some insect-eating species, like the Northern Flicker above, incorporate more berries in their diet during the colder months when insect populations are low.

Speaking of Northern Flickers…they are, to my mind, the most visually stunning of our winter birds here in North Carolina. And I am delighted that my cedar tree is attracting them.

I hope you enjoy these photographs. All were taken in my backyard and/or the woods behind my home.