Determination, Patience & a Stiff Neck pays off

[AZWhitefeather]

When I checked on the little one yesterday morning, he was stretching as far as he could to see what was going on around him.
I decided to go get the binoculars to get a real 'up close & personal' look at the cutie.
As I was walking back outside I noticed quite a commotion going on up there. The little devil had taken a giant step & found himself outside of his home.

As I was watching, & praying that he didn't lose his balance & fall I hear a very familiar sound.

Cont. in next post:

[AZWhitefeather]

Apparently the little dare devil heard the same familiar sound. Yep! Papa was coming in for a landing.

That little woodpecker scrambled like crazy to get back inside before Dad saw him. The look on his face was priceless once he got inside & turned around as if nothing had happened.

[flitsnowzoom]

So how do you suppose Dad is gonna spank this little bad one?

[Lady Tarheel]

Cindy, I can't wait for our next installment. This is great fun. Isn't it funny that the baby knew to get his little rear back in the hole before Dad caught him. You really caught some great shots, and the captions are priceless.

[mr squeaks]

Actually, from the pictures of the "baby," he's not so little any more! I bet he's in the rebellious "teen" state and LOVES pushing the "envelope!"

I was surprised to see how mature his feathers are on his wings. Looks like he may be heading out to make his own way soon. He DID look young in person tho, so I don't know...

Great captions and pictures, Cindy! Sure am glad you were able to get those shots!! Don't see that many Gila Woodpeckers around my area and I'm only a few blocks away! Then, again, our palm trees are VERY high...

Look forward to new adventures of the "young woodpecker who thinks he might be ready to fly!"

Hugs and Scritches
Shi

[TAWhatley]

What an ornery little scamp! But very, very cute! Great photos and captions, Cindy!

Terry

[pidgers'2006]

WOW! That is soo fascinating! how are the baby(s) doing? have u seen the babys sibling? I love bird watching lol!!! Its so incredible how the baby knew uh oh i better get inside lol.

[AZWhitefeather]

Sadly, the tale of this baby woodpecker has come to an end.
I've been waiting to post to see if there might be a glimmer of hope that he is still around.

A few days ago, when I went out to feed the ferals I didn't notice that adorable little head sticking out of it's den. I decided to sit on the patio to see if papa would return. Sure enough he did. He called & called, but no baby appeared.
I have checked the yard & area right next to the lake for any trace of him. Not a feather to be found.

As of yesterday, papa continues to show up at different times of the day, calling for his baby. This makes me think something is amiss.

Perhaps the little one tried to fly. Without having much of a tail, he might have been able to get past the yard, but I don't think much further.

I don't know how long papa will keep looking for his baby, but my heart aches everytime I hear him calling.

"Bless you little one, wherever you may be"

Cindy

[flitsnowzoom]

Oh poor baby and poor Dad Who says birds don't know things and don't have feelings.

Bless his little heart. I do hope he's somewhere safe.

[Trees Gray]

oh....this is so sad, I'm sorry to hear this update. Mother nature can be so cruel at times.

[AZWhitefeather]

Originally Posted by flitsnowzoom

Oh poor baby and poor Dad
* Who says birds don't know things and don't have feelings.

Bless his little heart.

** I do hope he's somewhere safe.

* Exactly.

** I'm hoping so as well.

Originally Posted by Trees Gray

oh....this is so sad, I'm sorry to hear this update.
Mother nature can be so cruel at times.

The funny thing is, Treesa, I thought Mother Nature & I had an understanding that there would be no cruelty in my backyard. Guess we need to have another talk.

I keep telling the birds they're safe here.

Cindy

[maryjane]

I really hope the baby did manage a short flight to a neighboring safe place, and dad will find him. I'll keep my fingers crossed and keep him in my thoughts.

[Lady Tarheel]

Cindy, I so hope the little guy is safe. Like you described him and showed us in the picture, he was a daredevil but if he fell off the tree he probably had enough wing movement to flutter down. The only part that bothers me is that dad keeps coming back to the hole. I know parents/babies can communicate on the ground and woodpeckers are not quiet so you would think dad could hear him.

We must just hope for the best. He sure was a cutie.

[AZWhitefeather]

Originally Posted by Lady Tarheel

Cindy, I so hope the little guy is safe. Like you described him and showed us in the picture, he was a daredevil but if he fell off the tree he probably had enough wing movement to flutter down.
The only part that bothers me is that dad keeps coming back to the hole. I know parents/babies can communicate on the ground and woodpeckers are not quiet so you would think dad could hear him.
We must just hope for the best. He sure was a cutie.

I agree Maggie. It's almost as if he feels the baby is still around, somewhere. I would think if the little one had left on his own Dad wouldn't bother to keep coming back.

I've been waiting to have the palm trees trimmed because of this baby. I didn't want to disrupt anything. I'll make an appointment now to get them trimmed & will ask the trimmer to please check inside the hole.

Cindy

[TerriB]

Originally Posted by AZWhitefeather

...I thought Mother Nature & I had an understanding that there would be no cruelty in my backyard. Guess we need to have another talk.

I keep telling the birds they're safe here.

Cindy

I know what you mean. It is very upsetting when the occasional songbird is killed by our neighbor's cat.

Still hoping this little one shows up unharmed.