Such a handsome bird. . . . . . . . . .

Yesterday I was out early morning hanging a new suet feeder to replace the one

 gnawed by the dastardly squirrels.  

Back in the house I turned around to look out the window and noticed this handsome

 male Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus - already feeding!

Easy to recognize the sex of this woodpecker - the male has a black mustache.

Grabbed the camera. . . . . . . . .of course. . . . . . . . .and by then it had flown from

 the feeder and was scuffling about in the leaves at the back of the garden.

When I looked through the viewfinder I realized there was a second Flicker on 

the ground, thought it was its mate, however then realized it was a much smaller

 bird and definitely another male with a mustache.  Papa, with suet in his beak,

 was feeding his son!

The young bird didn't seem too sturdy on its legs, not unexpected if it hasn't

 been out of the nest for long. Both parents do incubate and feed their young

 who fledge from the nest (usually in a cavity in a tree) when about one month old.

Guess this dad was living up to his parental responsibilities. 

They were there for several minutes and then flew off together.

5-8 eggs are usually laid - perhaps mom was busy with the rest of her brood.

In flight the Flicker flashes golden yellow under wings and tail, undulating deeply

 while giving a loud "wacka-wacka" call. It is a non-migrator in the Carolinas so we

 are able to enjoy this very attractive large bird all year round.

. . . . . . .and you enjoying the sunshine in that pretty fur coat - don't get any

 ideas - you had best stay down there on the ground away from my new

 suet feeder - I see you eyeing it already!