his species is continental through much of Canada and Alaska, with the exception of areas near the US - Mexican border and boreal area.

Fairly numerous from forest to suburbs and often in winter at backyard suet feeders however it is quite shy.

Medium size bird, large bill, white back. Males have a red hind-crown patch. Western forms may have no or only a few white spots in wings. White under parts and white face fading to pale yellow, or in western forms, fading to gray-brown. No bars on white outer tail feathers but some forms have black spotting on outer tails and sides.

Upon arriving at the top of the escarpment, I get out of the jammer to photograph the scenery and as I approach the rim, I hear a woodpecker over head high in one of the close by trees. After a few minutes of searching I see the bird on the bark pounding away.

I begin taking photos but the sun is directly behind the tree and I have to move into the shadow to take photos.

A Home requiring Grass Mowing