Hairy Woodpeckers

Here we see two Hairy woodpeckers perched on the bark of a cottonwood tree. The mother woodpecker (top) is feeding a male woodpecker (bottom). I assume that the male is a juvenile, even if it already has the red coloring and is a little larger than the female. Come to think of it, the male might be the father and is just getting a relay feeding here. We saw these birds on a Zion curated birding walk.

Today was a rest day. Well deserved, I should add. Our major accomplishments include groceries, unpacking & laundry.

But just like feathered parents, there really is no rest for the weary. So we gird our loins, fasten all straps and prepare for blast-off. We have a baby to feed fête! It’s been six years in the making or thirty, depending upon your point of view.

Dr. Dave will mount his defense. As vigorous as that may be, I’m thinking (hoping) that this defense will all be for show. The fact that the department is throwing a luncheon afterwards is comforting. I just hope that they don’t have two menus. A nice luncheon for a successful defense or just PBJs for a less so.

Years ago, when I was still working for Mickey-D, I attended a doctoral thesis defense of a colleague. The candidate presented and then we were ushered out of the room and the committee dealt with him in private. Afterwards, we all filed in again, the committee gave their thumbs-up and then we all ate.

While, termites might be scrupulous enough for woodpeckers, I’m thinking that even grad students are a little more discerning than that, not to mention professors. So, to grease the skids, sort of speak, we’ll be bringing some STL delicacies. I’m thinking a combination of Gooey Louie’s gooey butter cake, a Saint Louis tradition and/or Strange Donuts (Maplewood). I hope that they have enough coffee to wash it all down. What am I saying? They’re grad students, for god sake! Anyone of them could just tap a vein and fill any coffee pot.