Carmel Ruiz-Hilton, special to RGJ

Even with the several weeks of unusual afternoon thunder showers Reno saw in late July into August, the west is still in a state of drought.

There continues to be a shortage of wildlife food and water sources across the northern Nevada. As wildlife competes for these scarce resources, this could potentially mean more visitors to your feeders than normal.

Earlier this spring when I first set up our feeders and birdbaths, I was lucky to see a few assorted finches, sparrows and jays at any given time. Now, beginning after dawn, it is a complete feeding frenzy!

All our original feeder birds continue to show up along with the dove, quail, chipmunks and squirrels -- all vying for the free food.

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Based on recent reports this could potentially be another tough year if our predicted winter is a strong one. Therefore, I would encourage northern Nevada residents to consider creating backyard habitats with food, water and shelter sources. Not only is it a great way to enjoy local birds and wildlife, but by providing food and water you can help sustain our local populations through the coming months.

Get started backpacking:Overnight hiking trips great way to see birds, wildlife

Bird of the Month: Northern (Red-Shafted) Flicker Woodpecker

Scientific name: Colaptes auratus

How to identify: Males have a tan and gray head, with red-shafted birds having a red stripe from base of the bill to the side of the neck. The uppertail coverts are white with black spotting, and the stiff, two-pronged tail is black above with red below. Females have similar markings to males but lack the red stripes.

Habitat: The northern flicker has a widespread range and can be found in open deciduous forests, woodland edges, marshes and suburban parks, gardens and backyards.

Where to find one near Reno: There are many places to hike with mature trees, insects and water sources in which to see woodpeckers. Trails along the Truckee River, Galena Creek Park andDavis Creek Regional Park are great places to go looking.

How to attract one to your yard: In the appropriate habitats, northern flickers will visit backyards with bird feeders where suet, nuts and black oil sunflower seeds are available.

Interesting fact: Like most woodpeckers, flickers are insect eaters. One of their favorite insects to eat are ants. They will frequently forage on the ground to find them and get to the larvae.

For more information on Northern Flicker Woodpeckers and bird habitats, visit one of the three Moana Nursery store locations: 1100 W. Moana Ln. & 11301 S. Virginia St., Reno and 7644 Pyramid Hwy., Sparks.

Carmel Ruiz-Hilton is Manager of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shops at Moana Nursery in Reno/Sparks