A Bird a Day in June: Day 20 – Nubian Woodpecker

Day 20 of a series illustrating some of the fantastic birds we see here on Lake Victoria and across Tanzania. Many of these are seen in our garden – this was a one time visitor.

Nubian Woodpecker

Knock Knock! Who’s There?

A strange knocking sound filled the garden. Tap tap tap tap! Tap tap tap tap. I rose to investigate and looking up I wandered slowly seeking out the source until I spied it. A flash of red caught my eye! A woodpecker seeking grubs buried in the branch. The thick foliage made it difficult to get a clear view, and the bird was nervous of being observed. It was a Nubian Woodpecker – given away by it’s lower red  stripe (Malar Stripe) on it’s head.