Common Flicker, birds in winter pond 023The number one way to attract birds and wildlife to your yard is to provide a steady source of fresh, unfrozen water. Water is an essential, life-giving element in any/every ecosystem. It is the first step in creating your own backyard habitat.

Common Flicker, birds in winter pond 014Today this male Common (“Yellow Shafted”) Flicker stopped by our pond for a drink. Note the black mustache and yellow markings on its hind wings. The Common Flicker is part of the woodpecker family and is about 12-14″ tall. You can sometimes spot them in the summer hopping awkwardly on the ground eating ants.

We were so pleasantly surprised by his visit this morning.

Common Flicker, birds in winter pond 016Please feel free to like, share, tweet and forward to your friends and family.

Happy Gardening!