February 23 – Woody the Woodpecker

The pileated woodpecker is one of North America’s most impressive forest birds. Common throughout the Northland, these bold visitors often frequent backyard feeders — including this one hanging just outside my window. With its prehistoric appearance and striking red crest, this powerful bird commands attention wherever it lands.

Pileated woodpeckers are famous for their loud, jungle-style call that echoes through the forest like wild laughter: “kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk!” You will often hear them long before you ever see them. The iconic cartoon character Woody Woodpecker was heavily inspired by this species, especially its dramatic crest and energetic personality.

Even when resources seem limited, God continues to supply what is needed — often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Sometimes, He even inclines hearts to care for His creation, as when we feed the birds outside our windows. Trust grows strongest when we learn to depend on what cannot be measured by sight alone, but by faith in His daily provision.

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” — Matthew 6:26 

When seasons feel barren, remember that God’s care does not freeze with the weather. Just as the birds are sustained day by day, so are we — called to trust, to keep moving forward, and to rest in faithful provision. God surrounds us daily with reminders in nature that point us back to Him, the source of all help.