To celebrate the Wisconsin Science Festival, we are turning into mad scientists all month long! Unleash your inner innovator with special programs that will get you experimenting, tinkering, and learning — and see just how fun science can be! […]
A bird named for its least distinguishing feature… ![]()
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During winter, woodpeckers are easy to observe because most trees have lost their leaves. The three species you are most likely to encounter are downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, and red-bellied woodpeckers because they are all very common and year-round residents in Wisconsin. We’ll post more about the downy and hairy woodpeckers another time… Today, we are focusing on red-bellied woodpeckers.![]()
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As seen in the photo, red-bellied woodpeckers have black and white zebra-like backs and a white rump. Males have a red crown that extends down to the back of their necks, while females have a light gray crown and a red nape. It’s tempting to call them red-headed woodpeckers but this name refers to another, more rare, species with heads that are entirely red. The name 'red-bellied woodpecker' is actually misleading because they don’t have striking red chests, rather tan with subtle red tinges.![]()
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Can you name any other animals with confusing names?![]()
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What signs of winter do you see? Visit us for a hike or take a walk around your neighborhood looking for cyclical events influenced by seasonal changes. ![]()
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Photos: Aldo Leopold Nature Center![]()
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#PhenologyFriday #Woodpeckers #WIEnviroEd #NatureIsEverywhere #NatureIsForEveryone #EveryBodyOutside
