It’s Not Woody

April 29, 2025 - Ladder-backed Woodpecker on palm tree.
April 29, 2025 – Ladder-backed Woodpecker.

I heard a loud, hollow tapping above me and looked up to see this industrious Ladder-backed Woodpecker clinging to the trunk of a palm tree. These small, eye-catching birds are native to the arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. They get their name from the bold black-and-white “ladder” pattern running down their backs. Males sport a bright red crown patch.

Sedona Satisfies

May 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rock near Sedona.
May 10, 2018 – Cathedral Rock near Sedona.

Sedona, Arizona, is a captivating desert town renowned for its stunning red rock formations, mild climate, and vibrant arts community. Situated near Flagstaff in the northern Verde Valley region, Sedona boasts a landscape characterized by dramatic buttes, steep canyon walls, and lush pine forests. The area offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from easy strolls along Oak Creek to challenging hikes up Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.