My Friend Flicker

The northern flicker is one of my very favourite birds.

I love his elaborate attire. His brown striped jacket; his speckled waistcoat and pants; his black cravat.

In his other life, perhaps he was the ringleader of a circus; directing the lions and bears and flaming hoops.

But for now, he is vigorously plucking ants out of the crack in the sidewalk; occasionally stopping to utter his surprisingly kookaburrish laugh.

Thanks flicker, for brightening my day.