When I was out for a walk last week I heard a loud tapping noise. It took me some time but I finally spotted the source, a Flicker:
Why didn't I see it at first? Well here's what my eyes saw:
Then again through the camera:
Why is the woodpecker hammering on a vent? Well to attract attention of course, although it was not for my benefit, he was actually after a female flicker.
...and after tapping and watching....
...and tapping and watching...
..and, well you get the picture...
...who could resist? Well I think he must have spotted a female because...
...he started displaying his finery.
..what do you think?
..aren't I gorgeous...
...well this has got to impress the little woman...
...what are you waiting for?...
...here it is, my best pose...
If this series was accompanied by music, what would it be; maybe O Sole Mio, or I'm looking for a hard headed woman or maybe a bit of bump and grind??? Maybe you have some ideas.
It was the middle of the afternoon, but I have heard many stories of people being wakened very early in the morning to a loud tapping, coming from, you guessed it, a woodpecker, hammering on a light standard or on a piece of metal flashing.
One can be excused for thinking that they have mistaken it for food; no it is absolutely intentional and meant to attract as much attention as possible.
The Flicker version of friending on Facebook? If it were a personal ad it might go something like this:
Handsome SFM (Single Flicker Male), NS (non-smoker), ND (non-drinker) seeks female:
I am a tall (14"), good looking Red Shafted Flicker but I've been banging my head in frustration looking for my own true love. I love the outdoors and want someone to join me at my favorite restaurant in the forest (Rotten Log), to share a romantic meal, to sing a few duets and to watch the sun go down. My object is matrimony, I am seeking someone that is not afraid of commitment, to settle down with me, share my life and love nest and raise a family. No triflers please, tweet your particulars at #hollowlog.
Speaking of woodpeckers, do you remember the "Woody Woodpecker" laugh:
"I'm looking for a hard headed woman" by Cat Stevens
OK enough of that foolishness! I did actually do some painting this week. It is a painting of daffodils, which my husband gets for me at the farmers market this time of year; so beautiful and so fragrant.
A watercolour that I call "Spring Blooms":
Details on this painting at GillianOlsonArt.BlogSpot.com
I got good news yesterday from my surgeon; the tumour (adrenal) he removed from me was benign and except for following up with a specialist to make sure my remaining adrenal function is sufficient I am finished with this health bump.
Thank you for stopping by, Happy Whimsy Wednesday, until next time...
Gillian
