I had just started on a conference call to Seattle last night and this fellow showed up on the back deck. He seemed curious and I took the picture with my PDA through the window. When I did open the door, he was gone before I even got open a crack. I think it is a western northern flicker woodpecker, but am not 100% sure. It is the first time I recall one showing up in my backyard. The ashtray served as a landing-place. It is not used for anything else.
Today, a visitor called
Briefly paused and rested on the stoop.
He seemed uneasy
Still, made himself to home.
Furtively, glanced about
Perhaps, hoping he would go unnoticed.
He seemed likeable
I moved to greet him
Suddenly, he slipped away
Gone, as quickly as arrived
I wish him well on his journey.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 
I have nominated your blog for the new Reality Blog Award! Congratulations! This is a “no rules Award”, you can find the details here http://tinylessonsblog.com/2012/09/20/a-thank-you-note-for-multiple-awards/ . Best regards, Tiny
Thank you Tiny. It is appreciated.
Very beautiful
Thank you Katz.
I really like this one.
Thank you Kate. It was one of those fortuitous pictures and posts that found me.