In Appreciation of Northern Flickers

Like anything that we encounter on a regular basis, it’s easy to slowly forget the beauty found in the familiar. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is just such a case.

This woodpecker is widely distributed and commonly found throughout much of Texas. There are two color morphs, a Red-shafted form and a Yellow-shafted form. (Out here in the Davis Mountains Red-shafteds abound, though I’ve seen at least a couple of Yellow-shafteds.)

I’ve seen them ever since I started birding. Yet this summer, I have gained a renewed appreciation of Northern Flickers. They’re beautiful. They’re big and noisy, yet not so noisy or common that they’re obnoxious. The spotting on the breast, the barring on the back, and a brilliant flash of color when they fly. What’s not to like?

It’s just come as a revelation to me this summer. I’ve taken this bird for granted, dulled to its beauty by exposure.

It’s a mistake I’ve corrected.