Tag Archives: Downy Woodpecker

Wednesday – 3.7.2018

1:00 AM – We put out a new cylinder of compressed seeds, replacing the old one, which had been well pecked and chewed. Here are three birds, trying it out. The White Breasted Nuthatch, eating upside down, a Downy Woodpecker, and a Finch.

We put the remains of the old compressed seed cylinder in the platform feeder, where it was a very popular item. Here’s a Dark-eyed Junco picking through the pieces:

And here are some Finches, including one that flings the bigger pieces around. I admire that kind of spirit in a Finch.

Monday – 3.5.2018

1:00 AM – Here’s how smaller birds can eat at the compressed seed cylinder. This Carolina Wren doesn’t have any problem getting to the food. A Chickadee could probably squeeze all the way inside. That’s not really a good idea, so we’re going to retire this cylinder to the platform, and install a new one.

More video of the Blue Jays on the platform feeder. They’re storing seed in their gullets, as opposed to eating. Maybe there’s some nesting going on.

Another video of a Downy Woodpecker, this one a particularly vigorous eater.

Saturday – 3.3.2018

1:00 AM – A cluster of Finches on the compressed seed cylinder. I thought they’d leave when the thistle sock emptied out, but no, they’re still here.

A Downy Woodpecker, the smallest of our local woodpeckers. Seems like I read that it’s the smallest of all the woodpeckers, but I’m not sure about that. Compared to the other ones, though, he’s pretty small.

And finally, a bonus squirrel. This one makes a run at the compressed seed cylinder, and is reminded that it’s compressed pepper seed. A very short clip.

Monday – 2.26.2018

4:30 AM – We now have four cameras back in action. This video is from the ‘Cylinder Cam’. A male Downy Woodpecker is pecking his way into the compressed seeds. The original video was almost four minutes long, and showed him slowly working his way around the feeder.

Meanwhile, on the mealworm feeder, it’s reassuring to see we still have plenty of Bluebirds around.

Saturday – 1.20.2018

3:53 AM – Variety of birds on the cylinder feeder, including  Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Mockingbird, Bluebird and Squirrel. Notice the squirrel giving up after a few bites. Pepper seed works, usually.

Plus one more cylinder bird, this one a Pine Warbler. He’s about the same color as some whole hard-boiled egg yolks I’ve seen.

Friday – 1.12.2018

3:16 AM – The birds (and squirrels) are getting tamer. Here I am with a Mockingbird, and a Tufted Titmouse (briefly). Sometimes we see, up close, the small ‘darter’ birds that fly in, grab a seed and fly out, like the Chickadees and Nuthatches, but those that stay a few minutes are rare.

This Downy Woodpecker is an enthusiastic eater.

 

One more Downy Woodpecker video, this one of a male sideways on the cylinder of compressed seed. That doesn’t stop him from eating his fill.

Wednesday – 1.3.2018

3:38 AM – The ever-popular cylinder feeder has had a lot of traffic. Here’s a Bluebird, Downy Woodpecker and (probably) a Purple Finch. Maybe a House Finch. Sometimes the red and purple look the same to me.

When the mealworm feeder is empty, the Bluebirds start to show up at the other feeders – as in the Seed Cylinder Birds video above. Here’s some more recordings of Bluebirds eating seeds and other non-mealworm food. When we filled the worm feeder, the Bluebirds all moved over to it.