Northern Flicker

While standing on our dock, I saw this Northern Flicker flying across the lake. Even though it was not close, I raised the camera to my eye and shot. I was thrilled to see I captured it with its wings up and the light shining on the beautiful gold underside of the wings. You can also see its telltale white rump. The subspecies of Northern Flicker found in the east, called "Yellow-shafted", has yellow underwings. The Subspecies of Norther Flicker found in the west, called Red-shafted" has reddish underwings.

Photo © Lillian Stokes, 2006