[Maine-birds] Red-headed Woodpecker, Rockland

An elderly Rockland resident has had an unusual bird coming to her feeder since sometime in February and she wondered what it was. So she drew a beautiful sketch of the bird and brought it to the local newspaper. A reporter there shared it with my birder friend Brian Willson, who immediately identified it as an adult Red-headed Woodpecker. She will call Brian when she next sees it (it hasn't shown up for a few days) so that hopefully he can get some photos, but her drawing was very clear and good enough to hold its own in any records review, in my opinion. 

I wanted to share the report--and will follow up if Brian confirms the bird at some point--but also thought it worth telling the backstory because it underscores the value of detailed, careful observations with sketches when possible. Of course, if it turns out to be something completely different, then the laugh's on me, but I will be highly surprised if it does after seeing the sketch!

Cheers,

Kristen

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Kristen Lindquist
Camden, ME
www.klindquist.blogspot.com

"What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
--Mary Oliver

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