I should be working on my half-finished ebook. Or on my Coach ezine. Updating my website, even. But not! That silly woodpecker derailed me... 'Woodster' is what I've named him. photo similar to Woodster
You see, Woodster showed up in my backyard about 2 weeks ago. He visited a stump back near the fence, drumming away happily. I stood in awe, because I've never seen such a large woodpecker. I've never watched one drum for as long as he did, either. He moved into the neighbor's yard after a few minutes.
The cartoons have done these beautiful woodpeckers an injustice. He was majestic, and I was fascinated. His beautiful red head worked feverishly chipping away at the stump, over and over. I stood there wishing I had a video camera with me. Although in truth, it wouldn't have been able to capture the speed and consistency the Woodster portrayed.
Seeing Woodster that day left me in a research mode. I believe he's a "Pileated" woodpecker, according to his coloring and behavior.
Last week found me hanging some suet in hopes of attracting him again, or others like him. We'll see if it works... I also found info on designing a yard to ensure the woodpeckers will always have a habitat -- and food year round.
I found myself thinking of my grandfather who passed away several years ago. He would have loved Woodster. He probably could have told me anything I needed to know about the woodpecker. Grandpa loved wildlife and all living creatures, and continued his love of nature after retiring as a Missouri Conservationist.
Woodster by himself is not what fascinates me, though. I've had Grandpa on my mind for several months now. I'm not sure why. He's just there. Several months ago, I began a morel mushroom habitat. It was Grandpa who taught me to distinguish the good mushrooms from the poison ones. The morels were our favorites. He also showed us where the choice spots were for finding them... I'll see if those spores take. If they do, I'll get a picture and post it for you.
I'll share more thoughts of Grandpa another time. It's late and I'd best hit the hay.
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