Northern Flicker Facts

🌟 Meet the Northern Flicker: Nature’s Speckled Drummer

If you’ve ever heard a soft tapping on a tree trunk or spotted a bird with polka-dot feathers and a golden glow under its wings, you might have met a Northern Flicker. These woodpeckers are full of surprises, and they’re one of the few that prefer hunting on the ground!

🎨 What Do They Look Like?

Northern Flickers are characterized by a coat of brown with black spots, stripes, and crescents. Their bellies are speckled like a painter’s canvas, and depending on where you live, you might see a flash of yellow or red under their wings and tail. Males often have a little mustache mark, like nature’s way of adding flair!

🐜 Ground Peckers, Not Tree Peckers?

Unlike most woodpeckers, Northern Flickers love to eat ants. They use their long, sticky tongues to scoop them up from the ground. You might see them hopping through your yard, poking into the soil like feathered detectives.

🪵 Why Do They Drum?

Flickers don’t just tap trees for food; they drum to talk! That rhythmic tapping is how they say, “This is my space!” or “Hey, I’m looking for a mate!” Sometimes they even drum on metal poles or rooftops to make their message louder.

🏡 Where Do They Nest?

Northern Flickers nest in tree cavities, often ones they carve out themselves. If you have an old tree nearby, you might be offering a perfect home. They’re gentle neighbors and help control insect populations, too.

🍂 What Makes Them Special?

• They migrate with the seasons, but some stay year-round depending on the weather.

• They’re one of the few woodpeckers you’ll see in open fields and backyards.

• Their call sounds like a cheerful laugh, some say it’s like a “wick-a wick-a wick!”

💛 A Gentle Reflection

Northern Flickers remind us that being different is beautiful. While most woodpeckers stick to trees, flickers follow their own path, tapping into the earth, dancing through meadows, and laughing into the wind. They teach us that it’s okay to stand out, and that sometimes, the ground holds just as much magic as the sky.

Get your Northern Flicker worksheet here:

 

 

 

 

Books about Woodpeckers, Northern flickers:

1. Woodpecker Wham! by April Pulley Sayre

2. About Woodpeckers: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill

3. 19 Species of Woodpecker Picture Book by Simeon Toluwase

4. Woodpecker Fun Facts by Michelle Hawkins

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

Short story alert:

🐦 The Day the Baby Flicker Flew

Once upon a time, three Northern Flickers perched high in a leafy tree. The sun peeked through the branches, and the wind whispered, “Today is the day.”

The littlest flicker fluffed its speckled feathers. It was nervous, but excited. Today was the big day to learn how to fly!

Mama Flicker gave a gentle nudge. Papa Flicker chirped encouragement. Step by step, the baby flicker waddled down the branch, its tiny claws gripping the bark.

At the very end of the branch, Mama gave one last nudge, and the baby flicker tumbled down!

But instead of panicking, the baby flicker stood quietly on the soft ground. It looked around with wide eyes. The grass tickled its toes. Ants marched nearby, and the baby flicker remembered something important: Northern Flickers love ants!

Before flying, it scooped up a few with its long, sticky tongue, yum! A snack for courage.

Then, with wings spread wide, the baby flicker ran back and forth. It flapped. It stumbled. It tried again.

Mama and Papa stayed close, cheering with chirps and gentle drumming sounds.

And then… it happened.

The baby flicker lifted off the ground, just a little at first. Then higher. Then higher still!

It soared through the air, spotted belly shining in the sunlight. The trees clapped their leaves. The ants watched in awe.

The baby flicker had done it. It had learned to fly.

THE END.

🎨 Create Your Own Flicker Story

A gentle writing and drawing activity for kids

Northern Flickers are full of personality. They drum to communicate, flash bright feathers, and explore the ground for ants. This activity invites children to imagine life from a flicker’s point of view—blending empathy, creativity, and gratitude.

✏️ Part 1: Write Your Flicker Tale

Prompt:

Imagine you are a Northern Flicker waking up in a cozy tree nest. What do you see? What sounds do you hear? Where will you fly today?

Start your story with:

"Today, I woke up with the sun tickling my feathers..."

Encourage kids to include:

• What they eat (hint: ants!)

• Where they fly

• What they drum on

• How they feel when they spot a friend

🎨 Part 2: Draw Your Flicker Adventure

Invite children to draw:

• Their flicker character (spotted belly, colorful wings)

• The tree or field they explore

• A friend they meet along the way

💛 Part 3: Gratitude Pause

After writing and drawing, reflect with this gentle prompt:

“One thing I’m grateful for in nature is…”

Let kids write or draw their answer in the shape of a heart.

Facts about Mississippi

Learn facts about Mississippi for kids.

Just last week, we shared some fascinating facts about... Minnesota. This week, we're excited to share fascinating facts about Mississippi! You'll discover details about the state flag, the state bird, and many other intriguing aspects of Mississippi's culture and history. Join us as we explore the richness of this state.

Did you know that Mississippi holds the distinction of being the twentieth (20th) state to join the United States? That’s right! Mississippi officially became part of the Union on December 10, 1817, marking a significant moment in American history. Located in the Southeastern region of the U.S., Mississippi is characterized by its diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.

This state shares its borders with four neighboring states: to the north, it is bordered by Tennessee; to the east, by Alabama; to the west, by Louisiana; and to the northwest, by Arkansas. Additionally, Mississippi has a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the south, which enhances its natural beauty and provides various recreational opportunities.

In terms of size, Mississippi ranks as the thirty-second (32nd) largest state in the country, placing it squarely in the medium-sized category compared to its peers. The state boasts a population of approximately 2.9 million residents, reflecting a community rich in history and cultural diversity. From its vibrant music scene to its significant role in American literature and the civil rights movement, Mississippi has made profound contributions to the nation's cultural tapestry.

Mississippi famous person alert:

Henry Sampson was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and had a successful career in several fields. He made significant contributions to technology as an engineer and wrote books to share his insights. He was also interested in film history and studied its evolution. One of his key inventions is the gamma-electric cell, used in energy production and research. His achievements have made a lasting impact on engineering and beyond.

 

Facts about Mississippi:

Free Printables

Worksheets and Coloring Sheets

I have a variety of free printables available for teachers and homeschool parents/caretakers. These include coloring sheets and worksheets covering topics such as math, states, alphabetical order, holidays, and animals. As a homeschooling mom of two, I create all the printables myself, and my daughter contributes some of the artwork. Feel free to print out anything you like!

If you're looking for a specific worksheet and don't see it on my page, please don't hesitate to contact me. We are more than happy to create a custom worksheet to meet your needs.

I also have a printable memory card game and ABC flashcards, all of which are free to print. Help yourself to whatever you'd like, and please share my page with others. Thank you kindly!

You can go here to check them out and 

download your free printables: 

Click here

Here are some examples of the worksheets you will find by clicking the link to my printables page: 

We now have a workbook about the 50 states available on Amazon. 

You can CLICK HERE to get your copy. 

Thank you for reading my post!! “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”-Dalai Lama

Facts about Goats

Goats

Who loves goats? Maybe you have a pet goat. Do you live on a farm where there are goats? You can learn some cool goat facts here, whatever they are. Did you know that goats are capable of understanding their own name? They will come to you when called. Goats are intelligent animals. Goats keep themselves clean.

 

What is your favorite kind of animal?

 

Facts about goats:

1. There are about 200 types/breeds of goats. Here is a list of some of the goats:

• Alpine
• Angora
• Boer
• Damascus
• Fainting
• La Mancha
• Nubian
• Pygmy
• Sable
• Spanish

2. Goats come in all shapes and sizes, but the Pygmy goat is one of the smallest breeds. Pygmy goats can grow to twenty-three (23) inches tall and weigh seventy (70) pounds or more.

3. Boer goats are one of the most giant breeds of goats. Boer goats can get up to three (3) feet tall and weigh up to two hundred and fifty (250) pounds or more.

4. Goats are herbivores. Herbivores only eat vegetation; goats eat grass, hay, tree leaves, weeds, and other plants.

5. Goats come in a variety of colors, including different shades of black, brown, gray, red, and white. They can have stripes, be spotted, or be one solid color.

6. A group of goats is called a herd, tribe, or trip. A female goat is called a nanny goat or a doe. A male goat is called a buck or billy goat. Baby goats are called kids.

7. Angora goats grow wool/hair/fur called mohair.  Mohair is used to make fabrics, yarn, and sweaters.

8. Goats can live, on average, up to 18 years old. McGinty was the oldest goat ever. She lived to be 22 years and five months old.

9. If you live in Maryland or plan to visit, you can stop by Kinder Farm Park, located in Severna Park, Maryland, to see goats and other farm animals. Here is the link to their website: Kinder Farm Park

 

Share a fact about goats with us?

 

Get your free printable Goat worksheet here:

 Goat worksheet ABC order

 

 

Books about goats:

1. Let's Count Goats! by Mem Fox

2. Raising Goats: A Beginner's Guide to a Healthy Herd by Daniel A. Hart

3. G is for Goat by Patricia Polacco

4. Your Goats: A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing by Gail Damerow

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

Short Story Alert:

There was a goat named Mars who loved to watch over his family. Every day, he would stand guard over them. He loved his family and would do whatever it took to keep them safe. Mars the goat would get all his children together, and they would listen to the stories of when he was younger. They would all sit and listen closely because they did not want to miss one word. You see, Mars the Goat was an excellent storyteller. All his children loved listening to their father's stories. They learned a lot from the wise words of their father and all of his stories. The end! 

 

 

Thank you for reading my post!! “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined.”-Dr. Suess

Check these free printables out:

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/printables.html

Books I have written:

http://www.joeysavestheday.com/p/blog-page_16.html

 

Visit again for more quick facts.

Facts about Minnesota

Learn facts about Minnesota for kids.

Last week, we shared informative facts about Michigan. This week, dive into the fascinating world of Minnesota! Discover intriguing facts about the state's flag, bird, and more that make Minnesota unique and special. Don't miss out on learning what sets this state apart!

Did you know Minnesota was the thirty-second (32^nd) state to join the union? Minnesota officially became a state on May 11, 1858, making it the 32nd state to enter the United States. Located in the upper Midwestern region, Minnesota is renowned for its diverse geography, which encompasses expansive forests, numerous lakes, and the northern shores of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area.

The state shares its borders with four other states: Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and South Dakota and North Dakota to the west. Additionally, Minnesota has an international border with Canada to the north, which features several entry points and breathtaking natural landscapes.

As the twelfth-largest state in the United States by area, Minnesota encompasses roughly 86,943 square miles, making it one of the largest states in the nation. The population of Minnesota is approximately 5,707,390 residents, contributing to a rich cultural landscape marked by a blend of urban centers, such as Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and vibrant rural communities. The state is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, strong education system, and commitment to the arts, making it a unique and appealing place to live and visit.

 

Minnesota famous person alert:

Did you know the legendary musician Prince Rogers Nelson, widely known as Prince, resided in Chanhassen, Minnesota? This talented individual was a prolific songwriter, a captivating singer, and a masterful instrumentalist. His remarkable skills allowed him to play over 20 different instruments, showcasing his versatility and creativity in music.

 

Facts about Minnesota:

Facts about Ty Beanie Babies

Ty Beanie Baby Facts

Who doesn’t love Ty Beanie Babies? Have you heard about Ty Beanie Babies? If you haven’t heard of them, Ty Beanie Babies are super cute stuffed toys! Ty Warner created the Ty Beanie Babies, and they first appeared at the North American International Toy Fair in New York City, New York, in 1993. Ty Warner is an American businessman and toy manufacturer. Today, there are over 2000 types of Ty Beanie Babies to collect and/or play with and enjoy hours of fun!

 

What is your favorite Ty Beanie Baby or stuffed animal?

 

Facts about Ty Beanie Babies:

1. There were nine (9) original Ty Beanie Babies that were first introduced in 1993. Here they are in alphabetical order:

• Brownie the Bear
• Chocolate the Moose
• Flash the Dolphin
• Legs the Frog
• Patti the Platypus
• Pinchers the Lobster
• Splash the Whale
• Spot the Dog
• Squealer the Pig

2. Each Beanie Baby comes with an ear tag or swing tag with its name and birth date on it.

3. Ty Warner created the line of Ty Beanie Babies so there would be affordable stuffed toys for children. Ty Beanies Babies have less stuffing than regular stuffed toys, which makes them look different.

4. Ty Beanie Babies were only sold in small shops when they first came out.

5. Teenie Babies are cute miniature versions of the Ty Beanie Babies. Teenie Babies were sold at McDonalds with Happy Meals. McDonalds first introduced the Teenie Babies in 1997.

6. Ty Warner owns Ty, Inc. It was founded in 1986 by Ty Warner. Ty, Inc., is a company that develops products and sells them to other stores. Ty, Inc., is the largest plush manufacturer in the world. Ty, Inc., is best known for its stuffed Beanie Babies line. With your parents/caretaker’s permission, you can visit Ty, Inc., website here: Click here

7. Ty Beanies Babies were one of the most popular selling stuffed toys in 1995, 1996, and 1997.

 

 

Share a fact about Beanie Babies with us?

 

 

Books about Ty Beanie Babies:

1. Value Tracker Celebrating 10 years of Beanie Babies by TY INC

2. The Beanie Baby Handbook by Jeanette Long

3. The Book of Beanie Babies by Lynn Dralle

4. Beanie Babies Collector's Guide by Consumer Guide editors

Parents/caretakers, be sure books are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

Short story alert:

Once upon a time, there were three cute little Beanie Babies. They were greatly loved by a little girl named Melody. Melody had to sleep with them every night. She played with them every day! Her favorite was Scorch. Scorch is a beautiful dragon. Melody pretended that Scorch would fly around the world, shooting rainbows out of its mouth instead of fire! Big rainbows for all the world to see! Scorch loved to spread happiness everywhere. The end!

Thank you for reading my post!! “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined.”-Dr. Suess

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Facts about Michigan

Learn facts about Michigan for kids.

Last week, we shared some intriguing facts about Massachusetts that captured the attention of everyone. This week, we're sharing some interesting facts about the state of Michigan. You will learn about Michigan's state flag, bird, and other interesting facts.

Did you know Michigan was the twenty-sixth state to join the United States? It achieved statehood on January 26, 1837, during a period of significant growth and expansion in the country. Michigan is situated in the upper Midwestern region. It is uniquely surrounded by water, making it the only state comprising two peninsulas: the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. 

The state shares its borders with three other states: Wisconsin to the west, Indiana to the south, and Ohio to the southeast. Additionally, Michigan is renowned for its stunning shorelines, touching four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. This extensive coastline provides breathtaking views and a wealth of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and swimming.

In terms of size, Michigan ranks as the eleventh most significant state in the United States, covering approximately 96,716 square miles. The state has a diverse landscape, ranging from sandy beaches to dense forests and rolling hills. With a population of about 10,050,811 residents, Michigan is one of the more populous states, home to vibrant cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. Each city boasts a unique culture and attractions, contributing to Michigan’s rich heritage and sense of community.

 

Michigan famous person alert:

Did you know that Elijah J. McCoy resided in Detroit, Michigan? He was a notable inventor of train lubrication systems, an engineer, and a visionary who transformed the railroad industry.

Facts about Michigan: