Red Bellied Woodpecker

Many people call the above bird a red headed woodpecker but it is not. This bird is a Red Bellied Woodpecker and if this photo showed the underbelly it would be more clear. The zebra-like black and white feather markings are a giveaway for this being identified other than a Red Headed Woodpecker.
The above image was captured near a bird feeder.


This second Red Bellied Woodpecker image shows some of the 'red belly' that this woodpecker was given the name of Red Bellied Woodpecker for.


Again this image and bird were near the feeder during the springtime of that year.



Beautiful.

We Bid You Goodnight

The Grateful Dead Band, sometimes mistaken by the media of the late 20th century brought a lot of joy to lots of people and continue to do so. One of the many mysteries of life is why music makes one happy or sad, and how we remember music so well. Maybe it has something to do with Psalms 98.

The band known as the Grateful Dead may distance some from listening to them or at worst, all to common, causes a false judgment based only by their name.

The name of the band has been attributed to an old legend found here.

Here is a quite pleasant song performed by the Grateful Dead in concert in 1989.



The lyrics can be found here.

Music is a form of magic that can heal.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are unlike any other family of birds.

The smallest of birds that weigh from 0.1 to 0.3 ounces. These beautiful birds are often seen at hummingbird feeders and natural plants that provide a quick energy source.
In the eastern US, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is by far the most common. The migration of these little creatures created by God is a testament of beauty and survival.

The vast majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, however, apparently cross the Gulf of Mexico in nonstop flights each spring and fall. Such long-distance flights are possible because these birds can increase their fat reserves and double their weight in as little as seven to ten days before migrating.

Just as astonishing is the estimation that on any given day during spring or fall migration an estimated 50 million birds are flying across the Gulf of Mexico.




Quotes from The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior.
David Allen Sibley
First Edition 2001