This female great spotted woodpecker showed up in the garden. I’ve seen her around and heard her a lot but never in my garden always in the older woodlands with tall beeches surrounding my house. I guess that in winter time we need to shift our preferences and go there where there is food.

In the header photo she was so close to the blind I could barely fit her in the frame, so it’s not an optimal photo but I still like the look she gives the viewer. And I really think these encounters are so unique and special. I hope she will visit the garden more often, it’s up to me to be ready for it.