Strange Downy Woodpecker behavior
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
Eugene, Oregon
November 26, 2018 2:45pm CST
We got back from Portland Friday afternoon. I glanced out the window and saw this little Downy Woodpecker on my suet feeder, not where the food is, but clinging to the side. They do this sometimes for unknown reasons.
But this one stayed there, quite still for a long time. I was in and out the back door unloading the car, within ten or so feet of her, no movement. She even seemed to have an attitude of meditation, sitting so still, head looking up.
Then I thought maybe she had her foot caught in the feeder somehow. So, I moved as quietly and slowly as I could and as I approached, she flew of course, so no problem.
I was glad he was not caught and I did not have to touch him. Those beaks are sharp and pack a lot of power.
15 people like this
10 responses
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
26 Nov 18
Nice pic. He was just resting!
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17240)
• China
28 Nov 18
I think the suet was not its cup of tea.The attitude was exactly how it made holes in trees.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17240)
• China
30 Nov 18
@JamesHxstatic Oh,I see.Thank you !
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
30 Nov 18
@changjiangzhibin89 You are welcome.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
29 Nov 18
@changjiangzhibin89 Suet is a high protein cake of fat and sunflower seeds and most birds love it as a supplement.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43579)
• Denver, Colorado
4 Dec 18
Taking a welcome break from a long day of pecking wood!
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
27 Nov 18
They come several times a day, along with may other kinds of birds.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
27 Nov 18
@Nevena83 They won't hurt you.
1 person likes this
@Nevena83 (66063)
• Serbia
27 Nov 18
@JamesHxstatic That's very nice, I'm afraid of a bird.
1 person likes this
@cindiowens (5120)
• North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
26 Nov 18
Glad he was okay.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
27 Nov 18
Me too. I hated to disturb him.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
27 Nov 18
I have mine out year round so they are always close by.
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22923)
• India
27 Nov 18
Maybe was trying out a balancing act.good photo ,you caught his expression
1 person likes this
