Ooh, it's a Northern Flicker

This was a surprise.

Usually I can hear the northern flickers calling, up in the redwood tree.

Or now and then I can hear one drumming against a tree, somewhere in the neighborhood.

But I only rarely see them.

This one appeared in our backyard in the drizzly weather.

I first heard it call while it was sitting on the bird bath platform.

Then it flew to the crab apple tree and sat on a branch, observing its surroundings.

I was surprised that it sat there for a good ten minutes, as the wind ruffled its feathers now and then.

These birds have such beautiful patterns on their feathers and wings.

You can see the distinctive red color on several of the bird's flight feather shafts.