THAT BIRD: The mystery identity of the speckled bird featured
in Francie Long’s photograph in the April 23 ‘RTS has been
solved.

It is indeed a Northern Flicker. Our thanks to the many who
called in to correctly identify it.

The uncharacteristic tuft of feathers on its head was probably
caused by the wind, according to bird expert Rocky Holland. (It’s
good to know birds have bad hair days too.)

Rocky also informed us that the flickers live here year
round.

The Internet’s Bird Web tells us that Northern Flickers are part
of the North American woodpecker family, but are brown rather than
black and white. Their tan chests and bellies have the eye-catching
clear black spots.

The Audubon guide tells us that “flickers are the only
woodpeckers that frequently feed on the ground” by digging with
their bill. They feed on insects -they can catch the flying kinds
in mid-air – but ants make up almost half of their diet. In fact,
they are known to engage in “anting,” a procedure in which they use
the acid from ants to assist in preening to help keep them free of
parasites.

For those who love words, as well as birds, a group of flickers
are collectively known as a “guttering,” a “menorah,” and a
“Peterson” of flickers.

And while we’re on the subject of flying feathered objects, a
bald eagle was photographed recently at Newell Creek. This comes
from one of our bird watchers, Bob Friedl.

CITY SENTS: An anonymous reader sent us a novel approach to
improving our community spirit:

“In July,” the reader wrote, “you published an item concerning
suggested improvements or changes to the community. Since the
United Way campaign just concluded, how’s this for an idea.

“Designate the parking meters with an appropriate sticker
signifying which charitable cause would benefit from that meter’s
revenue.

“For example, meters with an Owl sticker would benefit school
programs. A ‘Y’ sticker would benefit the YMCA or YWCA. A ‘lion’
would benefit the Lion’s clubs, etc.”

“For those unfortunate enough to receive a parking ticket, the
recipient can either pay the fine or use the ticket as a ‘do-good
ticket.’ “

The reader suggests the fine could then be paid by patronizing a
downtown merchant’s business instead of to City Hall.