Winter is here!!!!

We had our first real snow the other day - It's been really cold and clear skies since. I think that the pioneer women had it right with the long dresses and many slips.

We've (well, one of us) felt sorry for Woody. He kept huddling for warmth under the patio roof. So we got him his own pad. He loved it! It was fun to watch him. He began by perching on the house with one toe inside of the hole, head hanging down. Then he'd watch carefully all around to see if there were any challengers. Then he'd switch directions so that a toe from the opposite foot would be in the hole and watch the other direction. After a while, he decided that this was really his. He began poking his head into the hole. After a while more, he began to peck at the hole. Internet info sites say that loud pecking means that he is sending a message to other woodpeckers that this is his territory and to stay away. He was really loud.

Evidently, they usually make hole when they are trying to build a nest. This variety of woodpecker (a Northern Flicker), usually eat berries and insects they find on the ground. We hope this satisfies his needs AND ours (meaning, a house without holes).

Woody wasn't in his usual hangout under the roof, so we think he used the house. We didn't see him go in or out - but then we don't keep constant watch on the house.