It was a dreary, rainy day today. Much cooler than the perfect fall day we had in Nashville yesterday. But I had a wonderful surprise. Woodpeckers are my favorite backyard birds, and I have had every one that is native to this part of Tennessee. Except a Hairy Woodpecker.... I always wondered if I would recognizee one if and when it ever showed up. Just like I wondered about knowing for sure if I had a Purple Finch. I was told "you'll just know". And I did! I have 3 pair of Downy's that call my woods home. But this new visitor was bigger-very noticeably bigger. His beak was much, much longer, and his outer tail feathers were completely white. He cooperated nicely by enjoying the peanut suet for a long time, allowing me to study him through my binoculars, take a few photos, and even video tape him. What a treat this was for me! Other backyard visitors of note today included a Ruby Crowned Kinglet, and a Brown Creeper. I didn't mind the rain after all. Marian Delaplane Nashville TN =================NOTES TO SUBSCRIBER===================== The TN-Bird Net requires you to sign your messages with first and last name, city (town) and state abbreviation. ----------------------------------------------------- To post to this mailing list, simply send email to: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx ----------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to: tn-bird-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Topographical Maps located at http://topozone.com/find.asp * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Visit the Tennessee Ornithological Society web site at http://www.tnbirds.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TN-Bird Net Owner: Wallace Coffey, Bristol, TN jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx (423) 764-3958 =========================================================