LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

A Woodpecker Sittin' on a Rail

 
As the young Pileated Woodpeckers learn to feed themselves, their navigation systems are not quite developed.  They flutter around, sometimes landing on a chair or on the shingles and once even on the umbrella.  Most often they fly to the deck rail.  And they sit and try to figure out how to get up to the suet feeder.  They are fun to watch and after some missed attempts and fly-bys, eventually they land on the feeder and enjoy the suet.
 
 
 
Little female seems surprised to have landed on the railing.

 
 
 
 
She looks up at the feeder.  It seems far away.



Today marks a very special day for some of our readers.  Rosh Hashanah signals the beginning of High Holy Days for our Jewish neighbors.  Called the "Jewish New Year," Rosh Hashanah begins this evening at sundown.

A common Rosh Hashanah greeting is shana tovah u'metukah which means, "a good and sweet New Year."  And so to all of you, Jewish or not, I wish you a good and sweet new year.





11 comments:

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

What gorgeous photos, thanks for sharing them! Wishing you a good and sweet New Year!

The Bug said...

A good new year to you too! So far it looks pretty stellar with those cuties to entertain you :)

Anonymous said...

I love how much Pileated activity you get to see. This young female is so beautiful. What a delight it must be to watch them figure out their world.

Thank you for the New Year wishes. A good and sweet year to you too.

Tara said...

what marvelous birds, and what a delight to watch the young ones figure things out right before your very eyes.

I wonder what vegan observant Jews eat on Rosh Hashana? The brisket is out!

One of the benefits of observing and celebrating various holiday traditions is the opportunity to enjoy the blessings and teachings of many seasons!

Ms. A said...

You must be having a ball watching them, I know I would be and you're getting some great photo opportunities, too!

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a treat to be able to witness the babies figuring out how life works!!! XO

KB said...

Seeing your Pileated Woodpeckers is such a delight! It must be such fun to watch them.

Cicero Sings said...

Rosh Hashanah back!! I made a lovely apple enhanced challah for tonight - it was so yummy!

Arkansas Patti said...

You really are blessed to have so many up close and personal experiences with those delightful Pileateds. Can't remember the last one I saw, even from a distance.

troutbirder said...

Thanks Carolyn. And to you as well...:)

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone. We are indeed fortunate to see these lovely birds.

We are attuned to all the Jewish holidays. While our children attended public school, there was a very large Jewish population. Thus, the school calendar was designed around the Jewish holidays since otherwise more than half the students would be absent. Since we are not Jewish, our kids thought they got "free" holidays from school.