Ladder-Backed Woodpecker

Here's a ladder backed woodpecker searching for insects in the oaks growing in my front yard. The red spots you see in the photo are berries from a yaupon tree that was blocking my view. I often see woodpeckers in the yard, but they don't show any interest in my woodpecker nest box.(March 2006) 

Northern Cardinal

This ugly bird is our resident cardinal. He's been here since we moved in, attacking his reflection in our windows all through spring. Last year, he lost all the feathers on his head, looking like a tiny mutant vulture. The feathers grew back, but have started to fall out again. I think this is caused by a feather mite that eats the shafts of the feathers. Since he cant prune his head, the mites completely destroy the feathers. I don't think it hurts him, and he always has a female with him. 

English (house) Sparrow

Like every place else in the US, I have a problem with English Sparrows. They were introduced from Europe in the 1850's and are one of the most common birds in the US. They are very aggressive and kill outcompete native song birds for nesting cavities. Ironically, they are declining in England. I use a variety of methods to discourage sparrows from nesting or feeding in my yard.