Claysmom, perhaps your son would be interested in making his property a Certified Wildlife Habitat? This is easier than most people might think. You just need to provide food, shelter and water for various types of animals. You can Google it and read all about the requirements online, and even print out an application for the official certification. Nicki's city yard is certified, so even those without rural property can qualify. I encourage everyone who is interested to check it out. (If I can managed to stay on the computer long enough, I'll see if I can find the link, but I'm having some unanticipated difficulties from my foot surgery, and won't be here very long.) Glad you guys enjoyed seeing this old post pop up again. I do love these birds, and am happy it was of interest to you. Marcia

Great pics. Esp. the first one, that woodpecker is looking tough. I think it was on this forum someone once said woodpeckers are like "wanna rumble?" & I always think that when they intimidate other birds....The only time I've seen a woody scared is when there must have been a hawk in the tree-he stayed stock still right on the suet block for almost 30 minutes. The flicker gave lots of angles for viewing, and I like the one w/2 different woodpeckers. Cardinal & nuthatch round it out nicely, we're only missing a chickadee, where was he? jk Thanks for posting.

Awww...I hope I see a baby flicker! My baby wrens flew away last week (I know, house wrens are bad..but they nested before I knew what they were!) and it was really sweet to see them trying out their wings. As for becoming addicted, I already am!! Due to health issues, I've become fairly housebound, and I find myself watching the birds far more than the television! Sometimes I feel like if I stop watching for a moment, I'll miss something really special..lol!! My husband is actually going to build a small deck off of our master bedroom for "optimal bird viewing"...that side of our house faces the woods and the feeding station I have set up in the side yard...it's the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying all of the critters that visit the yard!

Same dilemma as to what these are. Took this pix last month, dark beaks and the top one looks like the legs are reddish. I took this a month ago so don't remember how large the birds were, far away up in a tree. Follow up: Bob Carlton Rossmoor Nature Ass'n Prez identified these as European Starlings in fall plummage. More bird images in that gallery. Here is a link that might be useful: Birds congregating...Starlings This post was edited by Cowgirl_in_the_Sand on Wed, Dec 12, 12 at 13:03