Woodpecker Lick

I always wondered how the darn Gila woodpecker could get at the nectar in the hummingbird feeder.  I thought he somehow sucked it up from the edges after he spilled it as a result of his abrupt landing.

Lo and behold! He has a tongue (saw?) that shoots out and laps it up - just like the hummingbirds do!

I am amazed!  Learn something new everyday.

(It's not the best photo because of the backlight.  Notice he's standing on one foot, too.  The other is under him!)