As soon as I grabbed the camera, the flicker flew - but a beautiful bird - and one I'd not seen at the feeder before. Just the one picture... maybe more will arrive. The traffic has kept up, however now the birds have more choices and soon it will be time to nest...

The woodpecker doesn't stay for long - he's got a difficult task to stay on the little feeder. the guys have knocked the wood branch off - but it's meant for smaller birds. I've put suet in it during the snow. 

sometimes it seems it takes more effort than it's worth to grab a snack - but it must get difficult to bang your head against trees all the time.

Below you can see how when the bird turns his head the light picks up the iridescence of the head feathers. They seem to be entirely different than the feathers on his body.

It's difficult to make the color not look fake in these pictures but - it's an amazingly bright even on this dark wet snowy day.

Yes, it's March seventh and it's snowing again. Lots still on the ground, but this is wet and will not signify much.

Sheesh! Look at those cheeks!