Melanerpes erythrocephalus

It took me 25 minutes of sitting quietly and still in a chair at my backdoor but I did it!  I got my picture of the Red-Headed Woodpecker coming up for a bite to eat.

This is a rare treat!  Their numbers are on the decline and over the last few years, we have only had the chance to see about 8 total, and I am talking about over at least 7 years.

This is one of my favorites!  I think this is one of the most striking birds ever!  These beauties have also been called "flying checkerboards" because of their pattern.

So I admit I am no photographer but these did turn out pretty good considering these were taken through a glass and a screen door.

Wiki link
Here is a link to really good pictures of the Red-Headed Woodpeckers.
And, of course, a link to Cornell Lab for cool facts about this awesome bird.

As dumb as this may sound, seeing this little guy made my day much happier!