Hairy Woodpecker near Muenster, Saskatchewan

From the trees, knock-knock-knock. A large woodpecker with a beak about as long as its head. A Hairy Woodpecker this time, instead of a Downy.

It was a dull day, and the woodpecker kept in the shelter of the branches, foiling my attempts to focus my camera on it. Then that bird flew off, but when I walked on, I saw another Hairy Woodpecker that was slightly more willing to pose. (But only slightly.)

And yes, on the Saskatchewan prairies, we indeed have trees and forest bird species.

Hairy Woodpecker at work   © SB

What is this bird? A Hairy Woodpecker (female, from the lack of red nape spot, and Hairy — not Downy — from its size, its bill and the spur of black feathers at the side of its breast).

Location: Near Muenster, Saskatchewan. 

Photo dates:  March 1, 2013

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