Today, lets talk about how to attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers to your backyard. It’s getting cold in my area, so I’ve started filling the feeders for my backyard birds. During the winter months, I get comfortable in front of the fireplace and a window. I always keep my camera handy. You never know when the opportunity will arise for a great shot of backyard birds.
In the summer, I don’t fill the feeders as often because most birds can fend for themselves. Also, I grow sunflowers in the summer, so most of my backyard birds feast on the sunflower seeds in my garden. I always thought it would take a few days for the birds to find the filled feeders. Nope, it only took a few hours. My birds are always hungry and ready to feast.
So, I was jumping for joy when I first saw these beautiful woodpeckers. Below is a male Red Bellied Woodpecker. Isn’t he beautiful? Are you wondering how I know it’s a male? Males have a red crown and nape. However, the female doesn’t wear the red crown. She has a batch of red at the nape of her neck. The female is in the picture above. Notice the red stripe on the female’s belly. It’s difficult to see unless the bird is in a certain position, but is how it achieved its name.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers love pecking on trees, gutters and siding. Apparently, the sound resonates and a potential mate will hear a male’s call. The Red-bellied Woodpecker’s habits are fascinating too. They hide seed for later consumption in the crevices of trees. This little guy is creating a cache in the picture below. They also hunt for bugs in the crevices of trees.
How to Attract Red-Bellied Woodpeckers:
- Purchase or build a platform feeder.
- Add black oil sunflowers seeds, unsalted shelled peanuts, peanut pieces, fruit, and/or acorns to the feeder.
- Red Bellied Woodpeckers love peanut butter and cracked corn too. I add peanut butter to pine cones during the winter. Check out my post on Peanut Butter Pinecones for backyard birds.
- Hang suet feeders in the winter. Check out my recipe for homemade suet cakes or purchase them. The woodpeckers visit the feeder, but Red-bellied Woodpeckers have a passion for suet cakes.
So, if you want to attract the Red Bellied Woodpecker, suet cakes are the way to go. I make my suet cakes, but I do purchase a variety of no melt suet cakes designated especially for woodpeckers. You can purchase them from Amazon. However, if you have time you can make your own using suet from your local grocery store. I suggest only using this suet during the winter months. They will go rancid in warm months. I make mine from saved bacon grease or Crisco as well. My family loves bacon, and the birds love it too.
Are you a bird watcher? What are some of your favorite backyard birds? Check out how to attract the American Gold Finch.
Such a great picture of the woodpecker you captured! Stopping by from the Turn It Up Tuesday link party. We both used to bird watch with our dad when we were younger. We even used to make our own bird feeders and suet packs. We haven't done it as much now but wouldn't mind getting back into it. Some of the birds we enjoyed watching were blue jays, gold finches, baltimore orioles, hummingbirds, and yellow bellied sapsuckers. Thanks for sharing.
My daughter Jenna says I have become a birdie! I love watching the birds in the yard. Because it is nice and warm here I am still seeing lots of hummers but sadly I will never see a red bellied woodpecker. Our area also has beautiful wild green parrots — I love watching and listening to flocks of them go overhead.
I just started bird watching about a year ago. I love it too. My hummers have become scarce since it has gotten colder in my area, but I do have many that hang around. It's too cold for parrots in my area, but I would love to see a picture of them in your area. Hope you will post one.
I'm adding a bird feeder to my list of supplies for next spring. You got some really great pictures, thanks for sharing.
Hi Patricia. Thanks for stopping by. I think you will enjoy watching the birds and their habits in the spring. Hope you will visit again.
Rhonda, I really enjoy your pictures and tips of the birds that visit your backyard. This woodpecker is a beauty! I started feeding birds last winter and I 'm going to try taking photos of them.
Thank you Terri. I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures. I have so much fun watching them & discovering new ones. My goal is to attract Baltimore Orioles & Blue Birds. No Luck so far.
We just saw one of these beauties yesterday. Yes! They love gutters our gutters. Scared the living daylight out of me one day sounded like gun fire. We feed them black sunflower seeds.
Yes, they scared the crap out of me when they were pecking on my gutters too. They also peck on my siding. Beautiful birds.