The red-headed woodpecker has long been one of my favourite birds. We were fortunate to have this one spend much of the day in our backyard, making frequent trips to the suet feeder.  With its red head, black back and large white wing patches, it would be difficult to mistake this bird for any other species. 

Recently listed as threatened by both COSEWIC (Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) and SARA (Species At Risk Act), the red-headed woodpecker's numbers have plummeted in Ontario and southern Manitoba since the 1970's. With its population decreasing in the United States as well, the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) lists this species as "Near Threatened." One of the primary reasons for its decline is likely a loss of habitat. Red-headed woodpeckers require dead standing trees in which to excavate their nesting cavities. There is some hope that dead ash trees left in the wake of the Emerald Ash Borer might lead to an increase in the population of this attractive bird. Perhaps every cloud does have its silver lining.