Gila woodpecker-Melanerpes uropygialis

Very eye-catching !

thats a great picture.is there a hint of red on its head

Cracking photo. I had to look him up, never seen them before. Do you get the girlfriend around as well?

Bjs , yes...this photo does not show it well...but there is a vivid red spot on top od his head

Resi, there is a female which has the same colouring but no red spot on the head.

He's a beauty. I love hearing them pecking away - like a jack hammer.

He does sound like a jack hammer :-) and always announces his arrival.

He is handsome ,what a spectacular visitor !

Lovely bird. I heard woodpeckers hammering today, Greater - spotted ones.

We have lots of different birds in this garden. More than in previous years. Very windy here today.
Thank you for your comments Amy and Feverfew

This bird lives in the Southwest US and Mexico. That explains why I haven't seen one.

Many of them in Arizona, Bathgate. Making holes and nesting in Saguaro cactuses.

That's a smart place to build a nest. It's very well protected.

What a treat to see, Klahanie, he is a beauty....

I think so too Janey.

very smart looking bird , amazing feathers on the wings

He is interesting and as you said Gg beautiful design on the wings. Like a little tuxedo...:-)