Red Bellied at feeder

[Donna]

I put a suet feeder up at my brother in laws house a few weeks ago. Nothing came for weeks. Then suddenly, I see this bird and it was beautiful. For days, every time I went to take his pic, he'd fly off. I guess going out and sneaking up on it wasn't working, (he's too smart). I tried taking some pics through the window, (feeder is right there). Ok, it worked. There are 2 M/F but only the male feeds. Here he is. I love looking at him. I babysit every day and he makes an appearance around the same time. Even my brother in law Gary is thrilled and took some pics.

This is the male, (I know because I looked him up). Why they call them Red Bellies is beyond me. I love their call also.

[MAK]

     If you look at the belly you'll see a very light red coloring. I have often wondered why it's called the red bellied woodpecker instead of red headed.   

[jeanne]

I was curious what the call sounded like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iexYYpav6_0&feature=related

[Donna]

I was curious what the call sounded like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iexYYpav6_0&feature=related

Yes, I was hearing that sound every day and never knew what it was until he came to the feeder....such a pretty bird. Thanks jeanne.

[Helen in MD]

Donna wrote that she didn't know why they were called red-bellied instead of red-headed.  The red-headed's whole head is bright red.  And, as I was told, the red-bellied was named by journalists in Europe.  Back in the days, specimens were  shipped there for naming and classifying.  The skins were laid belly up in a tray and all the journalists could see was the red-belly. 
Not sure if that is a true story, but its a good one. 

[valhalla]

Well, it is as good an explanation as any.  And it does make sense when you remember our early history with especially England.

[Aafke]

That's a real beautiful bird!!!!!
You are very lucky to see him!
Can you make a movie for us too?
I also like the sound!
greetings Aafke