Welcome to Fall

Although most North American woodpeckers stay within their ranges year-round or make very short migratory movements, we like to celebrate them every fall here in the pages of Birds & Blooms. This season suits them. Maybe it’s because they look so beautiful when perched in trees lit up by autumn-colored leaves, or perhaps it’s because one of their favorite foods—suet—is best served in the cooler months.

In this issue, meet our cover star, the red-headed woodpecker, in “The Flying Checkerboard” on page 8. It happens to be one of my favorite birds. The first time I saw one was on the last stop before hitting the road for home from the Biggest Week in American Birding in northwest Ohio. The bird was so far away (even with binoculars), high in a tree, but the bold color pattern made it stand out. Years later, the red-headed is still a species that gets me excited.

Use the expert-approved suet recipe below to attract the red-headed and other woodpeckers to your yard.

Embrace the chilly, colorful season even further by adding autumn flair to your patio pots or entryways with the ideas and inspiration in “Create a Fall Focal Point” on page 16. Share your creations with us at birdsandblooms.com/submit. And for some Halloween vibes, check out the dark, mysterious plant picks in “Midnight Blooms” on page 10. Enjoy!