Monday, February 11, 2008

Red-bellied Mullets

Monday, February 11, 2008
10 comments

I've watched red-bellied woodpeckers for more than 35 years. But today is the first time that I noticed what totally awesome red mullets they have! I used to think this was just a field mark—but I was so wrong!

Other names for the mullet: Beavertail, hockey hair, mudflap, Kentucky waterfall, Missouri Compromise, Tennessee tophat.

Dude! It's a feathered fashion statement. Now I know why they have zebra-striped backs. These are the avian equivalent of zebra-striped pants favored by mullet-wearing rockers.


I love the way this mullet fans out across the woodpecker's nape.

It just goes to show, you're never too old to learn something new.
And I believe this is further evidence of the undeniable, never-ending power and majesty of ROKK!

10 comments:

On February 11, 2008 at 8:06 PM Onedia Hayes Sylvest said...

Great Observation. I also love watching the woodpeckers in my yard but I have not made the mullet connection before this post. Does this mean the pileated has a 50's rock and roll do?

On February 11, 2008 at 9:22 PM mon@rch said...

I would love seeing mullet red-bellies! Great post Bill!

On February 11, 2008 at 9:23 PM Tom said...

Awesome! I love mullets. This is a laugh out loud post. I'll be on the lookout now for red bellied woodpeckers at the Ohio State Fair.

Tom

On February 12, 2008 at 2:21 AM Trixie said...

He is business in the front and a party in the back.

You RAWK Bill of the Birds.

On February 12, 2008 at 6:45 AM Jayne said...

LOLOL... his does look as if it needs a little trim, doesn't it? Love these photos!

On February 12, 2008 at 7:59 AM Dallas D said...

Fabulous headshots
I think there's a book in this - great bird hairdos.

On February 12, 2008 at 9:58 PM Mary said...

I've never made the connection, either. Yes, they do sport mullets! LOL!

On February 13, 2008 at 10:19 AM Janet Creamer said...

Great post! Mullets ROKKK!

I hate to admit this, but I had a pair of those zebra-striped pants! They were purple! It was to go along with my wanna-be rocker boyfriend that was in a garage band. To complete the look, I had the six-inch tall shellacked bangs, or "claw", and the big hair.

Janet

On February 14, 2008 at 9:53 PM The Zen Birdfeeder said...

I'll never be able to look at red-bellies the same again!


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