We made a quick run through San Angelo State Park this morning. We were so surprised to see so many Golden-fronted Woodpeckers there. Like they were having a convention.
They get their name from the small golden patch above the bill and below the eyes. The male and female each also have a golden patch on the nape, but the male has a distinctive red patch atop the head. To me, they are the most photogenic of all of the woodpecker species. Here are three of my images.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker – male
Golden-fronted Woodpecker – female
Golden-fronted Woodpecker – male
I hope you enjoyed these photos. Click on any of them to see an enlargement. Tomorrow, Monday morning Ann and I are headed for Miles, Texas. It is a little farming town about 20 miles from here. Our good friend Sue Oliver called this afternoon to tell us of a huge flooded area, left over from our heavy rains a few weeks ago. It is teeming with shorebirds, etc. I will give you a report later.
Here is a list of the birds that we saw this morning at San Angelo State Park.
- Black-crested Titmouse
- House Sparrow
- Golden-fronted Woodpecker
- Mourning Dove
- White-winged Dove
- Northern Mockingbird
- Pyrrholoxia
- House Finch
- Northern Cardinal
- Spotted Towhee
- White-crowned Sparrow
- Canyon Towhee
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Northern Harrier
- Northern Shoveler
- American Coot
- Greater Roadrunner
- Western Meadowlark
- Turkey Vulture
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Killdeer
- Lark Bunting
Oh truly photogenic.
Loved this one! Charming head. HEHE.
Thank you so much, Nandini.
this is a new bird for me, thanks bob, MJ
You’re welome, MJ. Glad I could show you a new one.
Lovely photos of a stunning bird. Such brilliant patches of colour, and amazing barring on the wings, too – it would be good to know what the purpose of them is!
Thanks, Jo. Woodpeckers use their beak to peck away at tree bark, looking for insects, etc.
such a good looking bird! The grebes were so cute last post! Thanks for sharing. Have fun in Miles. hugs
Yes, they are very pretty. Thanks for the comment, Beth.
This bird is so pretty and you caught it when the light was just right. Congrats.
Thanks very much, Rebel.
Not only have I (not surprisingly) not seen this species, I wasn’t aware of them at all. Another bird to study up on!
Thanks, Sid, I am glad that I am contributing to your continuing education of birds.
What a beauty! Great captures Bob!
Thank you very much, H.J.
What a fantastic set of birds! I loved the golden-fronted woodpeckers when I saw them in south Texas in May; such lovely birds. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much, Melissa, I appreciate it.
Beautiful captures as always Bob. I really love that last shot…he’s so handsome!
Thank you, Bonnie. I appreciate you.
When I was down in Harligen last year, I had some great looks at Golden-fronted. Beautiful birds.
Thanks for your comment, Dave. I hope to get to south Texas this winter.
What an interesting looking species Bob. Love those colors and that dip of the head from the male in the last photo really shows off that distinctive red crown.
Thanks, Ron. I think, by far, I have photographed this bird more than any other.
Love the closeup – shows the lovely colors -
Thank you very much, Cindy.