The Red-bellied Woodpecker is found on the east side of the US from Main through Florida, from the Atlantic to the Midwest throughout the year. In South Florida I hear these birds almost every time I walk outside and especially when Jo, my wife, and I are exploring the wetland or urban park areas of Central and Southern Florida.

Last weekend we were exploring Tree Tops Park near Davie Florida. We haven’t been to this area much in the past 20 years so we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. The park itself is surrounded by known wildlife areas and beautiful trees plus it’s an equestrian park with many paths so we expected to have a pretty good birding experience.

I don’t know if it was the time of year or time of day but an hour-long stroll through the park and across the concrete boardwalk didn’t produce many birds to photograph.

I don’t like to leave an area without finding some avian beauty to capture on film, so to speak and I wasn’t disappointed that day either because from above I heard the warming call of the Red-bellied Woodpecker.

It took just a few seconds to find him on a Palm Tree. His beautiful red-head glowed like a beacon in the bright afternoon South Florida sun caught my attention and the camera started clicking almost without my assistance.

This fellow posed for 20 or 30 pictures as he searched for bugs in the hole where he clung.

It’s great to have such beauty around you. Train yourself to stop for a moment and listen. When you hear, search. Then enjoy what you find. Nature is awesome. Enjoy it. Protect it. Help it.

If you would like to see and hear more about the Red-bellied Woodpecker click to All About Birds page where you can even hear their call.

Have a great weekend and happy bird watching this spring.