At first I assumed it was a Pileated when I saw it land on a tree. It was
hard to judge the size because it was back in the woods and the day was very
cloudy. But it seemed somewhat smaller with more red on its head. But I
thought, no, can't be! But when it flew to the next tree the white "square
patches" across the black wings and tail were evident and clearly not the
markings of the Pileated. In a matter of seconds it was gone further into
the woods and out of sight.
This is the first Red-headed Woodpecker I have ever seen here or anywhere.
A few years ago my husband spotted a juvenile in our dogwood close to the
house. But the oddest thing was that I had been thinking what a nice thing
it would be to see one when suddenly there it was as if in answer to my
wish.
Nancy Young
Blue Ridge (Botetourt County)
