Chirps and Cheeps

One of the birders on our bird list, Joe Mitchell, reported a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers at Como Park in Cheektowaga, NY the other day.  I decided to take advantage of the late day light and head out there this evening to see if I could find them.  I was rewarded with some lovely views of the pair!  They were just where he said they'd be, near the sledding hill.  Thanks, Joe!

Did you know Red-headed Woodpeckers are declining in much of its breeding ranges?  European Starlings are very aggressive and drive them off from the old, dead trees where they nest, plus the removal of dead trees are both major contributors.

I also had some nice views (and song) from a Baltimore Oriole - and plenty of views of a small flock of Cedar Waxwings who were enjoying some berry bushes close by.  The evening ended with yet another sighting of an Eastern Kingbird.  I've seen this species so many times recently, it amazes me how I've never seen it before!  Perhaps my untrained eyes just never noticed him.