It’s not unusual to be awoken early during spring or summer mornings by loud, incessant drumming on trees in your backyard or at the top of metal streetlights. The Northern Flicker, a common sight across North America, hammers its head rapidly against those objects to announce its territory or as a mating call. And while this type of woodpecker often perches on tree branches or bushes, you’re just as likely to find it pecking away on your lawn where it devours ants or beetles. It is easily distinguishable by the flashes of red underneath its wings as it takes flight with short, choppy strokes. The Northern Flicker, a delightful symbol of tenacity and resourcefulness.