Touché! A woodpecker and a cardinal spar in the bird bath

On fine days one of our big water bowls turns into a busy bird bath, with lots of different species taking turns to drink and have a quick wash.
The cardinal in this video thought it was his turn for a bath; the woodpecker begged to differ. The cardinal got a good jab in the chest from the woodpecker's sharp tongue and quickly decided that bath time was over. The woodpecker won that round!
We've all heard about woodpeckers' long tongues, but we've never seen one wielded like a sword before.
For more great critter videos and photos please visit texasbackyardw....
#touché #woodpecker #backyardwildlife #texaswildlife

[@Sonsbitchesall]

I had NO IDEA Woodpeckers did this, And I’ve loved birds since birth! That’s AWESOME

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Wasn't it wild? It happened so fast we nearly missed it.

[@rolindowndriver]

I've been watching wildlife programs my whole life' recording and photographing as well. I have never seen anything like this, very interesting. I gotta see that again!

[@biowebtv]

This is really interesting. We've never seen anything like this too. We're astonished

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Surprising, isn't it?

[@GroundGame.]

Very nice observation, I never knew woodpeckers had barbed tongue like that, reminds me of the serrated tongue's that geese have.

[@biowebtv]

This is really curious

[@beyondbirthday272]

I had no idea that woodpeckers had barbed tongues, very fascinating. Thank you for these amazing videos, I end up learning something new while being entertained each time! Keep it up!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you! We were surprised, too.

[@denise0223]

Your channel is without question, one of our favorites!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing the awesome wildlife in your backyard. Great content! We live just west of Boston and feel very blessed to see and/or hear wildlife on our walks & hikes. Yesterday we saw a female red Fox carrying ? nest materials, Baltimore Oriole, Pileated woodpecker, Turkey vulture. The fox was a beautiful treat! 😊 Denise & Ben

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Hi Denise & Ben - Very nice to hear from you. You certainly have interesting hikes! We don't have red foxes in our part of Texas, but we love our gray foxes and are lucky enough to see them every day. Jane

[@olopez722]

Never knew that about a woodpecker! My son & I enjoyed the slow motion 👍🏽

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you. We didn't know it either. We were really fascinated.

[@BirdSongsFromAroundTheWorld]

Wow. Amazing. Interesting behavior of the woodpecker caught on camera.

[@trailcameratexaswildlife9526]

That was seriously wonderful!!! I had no idea about this. Poor cardinal! Take care.~ Char🥰

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you Char! It was a surprise, wasn't it?

[@SupersuMC]

Honestly, from the behavior that I've seen at my bird feeders, that cardinal deserved it. They really do act like they own the place - especially the males - so seeing one knocked down a couple of pegs is glorious. XD

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Might be time for one of our local blue jays to try messing with a woodpecker. The blue jays here are bossier than the cardinals.

[@majesticworld255]

Texas Backyard Wildlife brilliant footage and narration, you could be Americas very own David Attenborough. Best wishes from the UK.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you! And best wishes back to you, from Texas.

[@merveilleuxetmagique]

You have a keen sense of observation!! Thank you, that was fantastic!

[@jaymefruit5551]

I just love your narration and spectacular footage!!! Thank you for educated me!!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you, Jayme. This was a surprise to us, too. We knew that woodpeckers had sharp tongues but we had no idea they'd use them like this.

[@beatricetreadwell5785]

WOW!!! I had NO IDEA that woodpecker tongues were like that!!! 😱😃😃😃

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

And we had no idea they would use the their tongues like that. It happened just yesterday - the cardinal got a real poke in the chest.

[@quikgt]

Texas Backyard Wildlife Cardinal is lucky he didn’t get a poke in the eye!

[@CraigerAce]

Kind sir, yet once again you've posted a great video!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you so much, Craig.

[@richarddefour5220]

Merci pour vos images.

[@susanb.4965]

This is a very interesting video , thank you! Love the close-up views. It’s fascinating that woodpeckers tongues wrap around their brains to cushion them from the frequent knocking on trees.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

It's a lucky catch, this one. Good that we had a camera watching the water bowl.

[@davisona2576]

Thank you for this wonderful video

[@ninapearman]

That was unexpected, what a fascinating little bird.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

I know, it was unexpected, wasn't it? We had no idea a woodpecker would use its tongue as a weapon.

[@judycook4314]

This is great! The cardinal should have known better but he got taught a lesson in front of his girl!

[@AhatiMaat]

should have known better lol...it's not of that same species and this is probably its first "negative" encounter with a woodpecker like this...

[@biowebtv]

That's true. This bird is very interesting! We love it!

[@judycook4314]

@@AhatiMaat sorry, I disagree. They know the ‘pecking order’.

[@helenwilliams7065]

When I lived in Austin, I never saw pileated woodpeckers, but here in North Florida, we have quite a few on our property. They are pretty shy, but I watched one chase my cat out of the woods and didn't stop until he got to the safety of our porch. Those woodpeckers are huge and just beautiful in flight. I mainly see them when the magnolia tree puts out seeds. Then all the different types of woodpeckers, along with mockingbirds, etc. hit that tree like it's an all you can eat buffet!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

We saw 3 ladder-backed woodpeckers and a golden-fronted woodpecker at a water bowl today. We'd never seen ladder-backed before - we had to look them up. Great story about your cat!

[@stephanieparker5049]

Very cool woodpeckers are super sweet but love the red bird too thanks 👏👏👏👏✌️

[@biowebtv]

The red bird is very beaultiful. We like it too

[@kamt3212]

Awesome video and, thank you! 👍 We had a dead oak come down in bad weather with two very young fledgling woodpeckers this spring. One fledgling didn't make the fall. 😪 But, it's sibling did. We're rehabilitating her with counsel from our local Wildlife Care Center's for release. She is a fascinatingly smart little teenager ( *with a attitude* ) and, almost ready for complete independence. What a wonderful, educational experience this has been for us! I'm considering offering rehabilitation for our local Wildlife Center's in ornithology in the future. 😊 The fledgling woodpecker has taught us well.☺🐦

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

What a fantastic experience, Kam. We really envy you. We would love to have the opportunity to befriend a woodpecker - or any of the other birds or animals. We have a friend who rehabs owls. She says the same thing as you, that she learns a lot from them.

[@kamt3212]

@@TexasBackyardWildlife It's so true, they are the best teacher's. ☺ I have always watched, fed and admired all the birds that visit or share our property year round. I've been blessed with caring for baby raccoons to rehome later and, even a baby opossum. But, never a fledgling bird. Especially a woodpecker that l have seen aggressively take over the feeding arbors. 😊 When, this happened, l immediately felt overwhelmed and ill equipped to save this (maybe) week or two old fledgling. She filled less than the palm of my hand. Keep her warm was all l knew to do. A Shoebox (which brand later became her name) lined with paper towels and cotton rags as a nest, was next. Thank goodness this took a little time because l've since learn that the fledgling can't digest food if it's body temperature is cold. Our local wildlife care center wouldn't open for two day's. But, the internet provided great suggestions. Little fledging and our heart's, the rest. As soon as she was strong enough she made her favorite foods known. I laugh because she's mimicked my son in learning to strengthen her wing's and feet. Our little feisty lady is so ready to rejoin her family although she has imprinted with us as well. She spends morning's with the woodpeckers that still check on progress and are convincing to rejoin. They even check on her each evening. However she's taking a bit of time in fully integrating back with them. I do feel confident that she will and, very soon. Possibly tomorrow? She has the the freedom to from sun up till beginning dusk. In the meantime there is such joy and a whole lot of concern for us. Like being new and humbled parents, again! And yes, she is now at that rebellious stage. 👍 I can only hope we served her as well as she has taught us. Thank you again for your wonderful videos. I've subscribed and look forward to watching your channel. 😊💜☺

[@kamt3212]

And, this morning she flew away with another woodpecker! ☺👍 I hear her call and, left the patio door open for her just in case. What happiness l feel for her! 😄 And, l imagine l'll see her at the feeder's at some point. I pray she thrives and lives the life she was meant to. All God's creatures great and small. 🐥🐦🐥🐿🕊 We'll take today to clean up and rest up then, time to follow through and offer care for another nestling or fledgling throughout this spring and into the beginning of summer. ☺ This ole bird is not done yet! 😄👵 Please thank your friend who rehabs owls for me. 💜

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

She flew? I'm a little sad for you, but you're right that it's a happy occasion, too. She will remember you forever, I'm sure.

[@kamt3212]

@@TexasBackyardWildlife She did fly away with two other woodpeckers for eight hours. And, now she's back. We're going to try again today. I'm praying she's not too imprinted on us. 😔 l so want her to thrive out there.

[@CypressWalker]

Wow, what an awesome shot you managed to grab there!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you. It happened so fast we nearly missed it.

[@helenwilliams7065]

This is awesome and I noticed the female cardinal there also. I love seeing the male at our feeder, patiently dropping seeds into the fledgling's mouth. Have you ever seen a male feed a female during courtship? They are such great daddies 😊

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Yes, the male cardinal's mate was there to see him lose his duel with a woodpecker. We've never seen the cardinals courting - we would love to. We have lots of them here, and they stick together as pairs, but we haven't seen them nesting or rearing chicks. Let's all raise a glass to good daddies, right?

[@helenwilliams7065]

@@TexasBackyardWildlife Absolutely!

[@dawnware3997]

Love your to the point education channel on backyard wildlife habitat here in Central Texas! Harker Heights/Fort Hood here- keep on- We are new fans! We are getting all kinds of ideas for our yard!!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thanks, Dawn. We really appreciate your support!

[@Galaxia7]

Haven't seen a cardinal around here for a long time ! When I was a kid I thought of it as the Canadian bird

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

We are lucky enough to have a lot of cardinals here. Beautiful birds.

[@maisoui62]

Holy cow. That is a scary tongue.

[@PyrographyMadeEasy]

Wonderful video and I loved the commentary.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you!

[@twasbrillig33]

wow you find the most interesting behaviors !!!!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Hi there, Jabberwocky - very nice to hear from you. This was an interesting catch, wasn't it? It happened just yesterday. So fast we might easily have missed it.

[@critters16]

The importance of being polite and sharing 😊💦

[@FunnySurpriseToys]

Hi my friend! Great content! 👍 13

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you very much.

[@kathlynterry8196]

Stunning information.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you.

[@KENDAandhisORB]

Cool, if I have a clogged drain, I know who to call. Thanks!

[@donnabeaudin9114]

That is amazing! 🪶🪶🪶

[@biowebtv]

That's true. Incredible birds!

[@michelegaccione9522]

Interesting.well done,now I need to catch up on what ones I've missed.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

We had a bit of a hiatus, Michele. There's not much new since the summer. But we are back in action again and I'll be posting more videos. Thank you for your comment.

[@michelegaccione9522]

The owl barfing up rodent.Amesome .I didn't know that .thanks for sharing

[@AhatiMaat]

Great video editing look forward to more bird bath wrath from Woody

[@biowebtv]

We too

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

That's very good - "bird bath wrath".

[@biowebtv]

Nice footage!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you!

[@ttenkrut]

Great upload

[@ciprianseni3576]

Very nice..Thank you

[@valentinalubiana8683]

Truly amazing!😅🤗

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

I am learnt!

[@beatewester4777]

Wow! The end of the tongue seems to be like a knife. Incredible the situation when the woodpecker attacks the cardinal. And that loooooooong tongue. One shouldn't keep it possible. So interesting. Thank you for your attention and patience. Your videos are an enrichment. Thank you so much.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you, Beate. This surprised us, too.

[@mikeyd946]

What I’ve learned here is that birds are absolutely savage

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Well, maybe not savage, but it seems they are certainly prepared to be assertive if necessary.

[@burton54ify]

Fascinating.

[@biowebtv]

That's true. We love birds and their behavior.

[@robertfaber6796]

Remarkable!

[@biowebtv]

That's true!

[@rennierad]

❤💕

[@suztube9458]

LOL! Loved the title already!! Add: WOAH! That’s crazy!!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you! We should!

[@c150gpilot]

No wonder I subscribed!

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Wasn't this interesting, Tom? Dan sits and looks at some of these videos frame by frame and catches really fascinating behaviors - things that happen in the blink of an eye.

[@NoReplyAsset]

birds are so weird, this is hilarious

[@michaeljoseph7951]

Nice....

[@jjkusaf]

Learn something new everyday.... woodpeckers have barbed tongues (at least this particular species). Who'da thunk it?

[@MF99K]

most woodpeckers have the barbed tongue. they use it to pull bugs out of holes in the wood

[@biowebtv]

This is amazing. We've never seen anything like this!

[@MHarenArt]

WOW

[@toshockamazeandamuze8531]

sir you always have some excellent video. please talk to algorithm.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you, Amaze & Amuze!

[@sueojeda7277]

Ouch 🤕

[@sriramgaddam]

Wondering who would win the battle of tongues - the ringtail (eating wasp) or this pecker?

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Very good question! This one might be a draw.

[@alrivers2297]

That cardinal is lucky he only got the tongue and not that beak

[@rebelwithoutaclue8164]

Flicker ?

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

It's apparently a golden-fronted woodpecker, easily recognized because of its total lack of a golden front. We can't make this stuff up.

[@rebelwithoutaclue8164]

@@TexasBackyardWildlife looks like a flicker.

[@molmer2380]

Just googled. The Golden-fronted is a close relative of the Red-bellied WP. I was thinking Flicker at first glance.

[@B4N4N4.]

I really like your voice, trying to pinpoint your accent but I cant.

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

Thank you! Dan is a native Texan, but doesn't much of a Texas accent.

[@bobbybrooks4826]

Nice observation of the tongue , bad observation of the event... The pool was big enough for one, the Cardinal was there first...... Stick to nature, not law... The pecker goes to jail , not the other way round

[@TexasBackyardWildlife]

The pool is big enough for 4, but in this case, apparently, it was too small for the 2 of them.

[@carmengloriamugaastudillo1265]

REFORESTAR REFORESTAR REFORESTAR árboles nativos para que VUELVA el ciclo de vida. Los árboles regulan la temperatura en la corteza TERRESTRE. Ahora 2021. Por nuestros ANIMALES Flora y fauna.

[@biowebtv]

Necesitamos preservar nuestros árboles y nuestra fauna. Sin eso, no tendremos futuro.

[@carmengloriamugaastudillo1265]

@@biowebtv Feliz feliz por pensar igual pq veo con desolación la indolencia de los seres humanos. AYÚDAME en las REDES SOCIALES. UN ABRAZOTE.