The Twelve Days of Christmas was first published in 1780 and the first six gifts clearly indicate birds, what about the final six. Weather the 12 gifts were literal or symbolic references to more feathered creatures is up for debate, but I am having so much fun designing birds I chose to continue with the theme.

The December Woodpecker represents the 12 Drummers Drumming. Did you know that woodpeckers do not have vocal songs, though they can make chirps, chatters, and other alarm calls. For more elaborate communication, they drum on resonant objects such as hollow trees, stumps, logs, utility poles, chimneys, rain gutters, metal roofing, and trash cans, as well as any other object that may echo loudly.

Yarn: Fingering, Sport, DK or Worsted weight yarn
Needles: 4 Double Pointed Needles:
Fingering & Sport: US 1 (2.25mm)
DK & Worsted: US 4 (3.5mm)
Stuffing
Scraps of yarn for eyes and beak
Tapestry and/or embroidery needle

Gauge: Sport Weight: 7 sts and 9 rows = 1” in stockinette