An Acorn Woodpecker has been regularly seen and photographed at a feeder in Merritt from 17 May until at least 27 May, and may remain for longer.
The bird showed up on 17 May at the feeder at a residence on Spanish Creek Place just off Coldwater Road on the outskirts of Merritt. It was seen and photographed almost every day from 17 to 27 May. Initially it visited this feeder late in the day between 18:00 and 19:30 but in the last couple of days has been seen through the day too. Numerous birders from BC and even the US have been to see this rare vagrant. On 27 May the bird was also photographed at a feeder on the north side of Merritt at Grandview Heights.
The normal range of this species extends as far north as Oregon so this bird is a long way north of it’s normal abode. The bird is easily identified and unlikely to be mistaken for any of the local woodpeckers if one gets a good look at it. This bird appears to be a female – it has a black band across the top of the head between the white forehead and red back of the head.
Here is the first photo of the bird on the 17th May:
Acorn Woodpecker photographed in Merritt, BC on 17 May 2012 - Photo © B. Scafe
Here are photos taken on 18 May at about 19:30:
Acorn Woodpecker in Merritt, BC - 18 May 2012. Photo: Alan Burger
Acorn Woodpecker in Merritt, BC - 18 May 2012. Photo: Alan Burger
Acorn Woodpecker in Merritt, BC - 18 May 2012. Photo: Alan Burger
And photographed at another feeder in the north of Merritt on 27 May:
Acorn Woodpecker photographed at a feeder on the north side of Merritt on 26 May 2012. Photo: Carol Madryga.
