Why, it's Melanerpes formicivorus, of course!
None other than the Acorn Woodpecker. Commonly described as a "woodland clown" because of it's red head, looping flight pattern, and raucous call, the avian inspiration for the famous cartoon character is a familiar bird to hikers in California's Oak Savannas.
Here we see W.W. portrayed at Walter Lantz field in Lee Vining, California, along with photographic evidence of an acorn woodpecker "granary" seen at Coyote Lake Regional Park, east of Gilroy.
TSG would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of the diminutive little guys who provide so much enjoyment to our outings in the foothills of the Golden State.
