Woodpeckers on the Ranch

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

The first morning on the Texas Ranch was exciting and after lunch everyone was chatting about the animals that were found around the hunting blinds. A few of us were sitting under this large tree in the back yard when Patty asked about woodpeckers . . . . . most specifically the Ladder-backed Woodpecker. We were using our BirdsEye application (on our iPhone) and noticed it had been seen recently within the area.  Then within 15 minutes I said “Patty come look at this bird . . . . I think this is your woodpecker”!! Sure enough the Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Lifer –CHECK) made an appearance as if to say “here I am”!!

Ladder-backed Woodpecker – Drinking from Water Fountain

It is amazing how similar they are to the Downy Woodpeckers in Western New York. However they get their name from the barred black-and-white pattern on their backs. That is what was most obvious to me and this one female was performing acrobats from tree to tree.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker – Male

Patty and I found some males later on the trip in some Juniper Trees and then found them again feeding on the suet from the hanging deer/hogs. I truly enjoyed watching these cute little active woodpeckers.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Also we had a woodpecker who reminded me of a Red-bellied Woodpecker but with strange orange nape and yellow forecrown. I followed this bird for 3 days before identifying it with a few lousy pictures. Seemed like every time I “kinda” got close it would fly away. But obviously this Golden-fronted Woodpecker allowed a few pictures and became a great addition to our lifelist (CHECK).

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

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