The Red -headed Woodpecker 89 



The old Rrdluad found llic lost lledgling about the time that I did 

 and tk'w over to it with \vh;it looked like a big grub. At the delectable sight, 

 the youngster drtjpped all its airs of independence, and with weak infantile 

 cries turned and ()])ened wide its bill! 



Two days later I found two birds that may have been father and son, on 

 the side of a flagi)ole, out in the big world together. The old bird's head glowed 

 crimson in the strong sunlight, and it was fortunate indeed that onl\- friends 

 were by. 



The striking tricolor makes the Redheads such good targets that they are 

 in especial danger from human enemies and need loyal, valiant defenders where- 

 ever they live. And what a privilege it is to have birds of such interesting habits 

 and beautiful ])lumage in your neighborhood! How the long country roads 

 are enlivened, how the green fields are lit up, as one of the brilliant birds rises 

 from a fence-post and flies over them I In the city, it is rare good luck, indeed, 

 to have a pair nest in an oak where you can watch them; and even a passing 

 glimpse or an occasional visit is something to be thankful for. 



''There's the Redhead!" you exclaim exultantly, when a loud tattoo beats 

 on your city roof in spring. And "There's the Redhead!" you cry with delight, 

 as a soft kikarik comes from a leafless oak you are passing in winter; and the city 

 street, so dull and uninteresting before, is suddenly illumined by the sight. 



Questions for Teachers and Students 



What is Conservation? How do Woodpeckers help the United States in the 

 Conservation of its forests? What do Red-headed Woodpeckers eat? Is there 

 enough wild food for birds in your neighborhood? Why do people feed birds? 

 What is it to play fair? To be just to birds? How about the golden goose? 

 What nuts have you seen Redheads eat ? Do Woodpeckers and Squirrels quarrel 

 over nuts? Where have you seen Redheads store beechnuts? What is a cache? 

 What birds and animals cache food? What have you found cached in the woods? 

 How do Redheads open beechnuts? Acorns? What can the old hunters tell you 

 about good nut or acorn winters and Redheads? If the Woodpeckers go south 

 in winter, where you live, at what times do they go and return ? What different 

 calls have the Redheads ? Have you ever heard a Tree-toad answer one by 

 mistake ? WTiat are the Redheads' favorite driimming-places ? Where do the 

 Woodpeckers nest near you ? Do both old birds brood the eggs and feed the young ? 

 Do they feed by regurgitation ? How long do the old birds feed the young after 

 they leave the nest ? Do the old birds use the same nest year after year ? Why ? 

 How far can a Woodpecker see an insect ? Are the Redheads' colors always con- 

 spicuous ? Why ? Does their color pattern make them more or less conspicuous ? 

 Draw the flight of a Redhead fjy-catching. Draw his position in hunting. Why 

 is it particularly interesting to have Redheads in your neighborhood? How can 

 you prevent their being killed? 



