Gilded Flicker
I saw two of these beautiful woodpeckers frolicking from limb to limb among the cottonwoods. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these before. I believe it’s a Gilded Flicker but if you think differently, let me know. They were rather large in size, especially compared to the downy woodpecker that I normally see out here.
Uprooted Magnolia 
I’ve never seen one like this before. I like seeing an animal on what I still think of as Tilda Tuesdays. Hugs.
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What a beautiful bird.
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what a stunning, original and unique bird! If I were I bird. I would pick this one! Great shot.
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I looked in my bird book for western birds and I found a Northern Flicker that looks a lot like that. The photo in the book did not show the gold on the tail feathers from the angle they had. They are big birds, pigeon size.The book does mention salmon color under wings and tail and even used the word yellow in one place. If this is one it is the male as the female does not have the coloring under the wings and tail. It sure is beautiful in any case.
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I just googled Gilded Flicker and they are nearly the same as Northern Flickers. The only difference being the color of the underside of the wigs. So you may be right. IF it is he is way off his range. They build their nests in those large cactus in Mexico and the Southwest of the USA. Best regards.
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Thanks Wiley! I thought the same thing, way off range. I might have a blurry shot of the underside of the wings. I will check it out and see if it shows the color and let you know. And yes, he is about pigeon size.
Nice to hear from you again, Wiley!
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Poor bird. He/she must be freezing
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beautiful bird…never seen one such as this before now. Thank you Leah
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Love your pictures, and this one is gorgeous!
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Wow. I lived in Wyoming and never saw this bird. It’s gorgeous! I agree that it’s a Northern Flicker rather than a Gilded Flicker (which is located in the Sonoran Desert). However, the question mark still remains because this is a Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker but that is located in the east. Here’s a link that gives great information. Whatever it’s called, it is a beautiful bird. Thank you for sharing your picture!
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This is a the Yellow Shafted version of the Northern Flicker. Beautiful shot! Lauri
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Thank you Lauri!
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