It was almost evening when three woodpeckers appeared in the woods behind the house. Despite the dimming light, through the window I could see them flutter from tree to tree while I worked at the kitchen sink.
All downy woodpeckers, it seemed that they were also all female. Once outside, I noticed that none of them had the red dot on the back of their heads that’s typical of males. They were also feeding on the trunks of trees, which females do. Males will typically feed off smaller branches or weeds.
The woodpeckers were soon on their way into the deeper woods. Unfortunately, their visit was short and my photos of them are dimly lit, but as I walked back towards the house, I noticed that one of them had left me a memento of their visit in the birdbath. Probably a reminder for me to not forget to put out some suet for them this winter.
Interesting, I didn’t know that males prefer smaller branches. Color of feather is beautiful.
Yes it is beautiful Nadezhda, with a very distinct design.
You know so many wonderful interesting things about the world of nature. Did you take courses ? How did you learn all these marvellous things ? Sybil
Glad you think so Sybil. I haven’t taken any nature courses, but I have done a lot of reading and observing over the years.
Really? The trunk feeders are usually female? They are forceful girls, aren’t they!
Pamela, apparently the more nutritious food is found on the smaller branches and weeds which are dined upon by the males. I’m guessing that there were probably also males with them – I just didn’t see them in the early evening light.
Oh you are lucky to have that gift of a feather! Love the woodpeckers when they come to visit. Do you have any pileated woodpeckers there? They look like prehistoric creatures flying through the woods.
Kathy, we do have pileated woodpeckers in Nova Scotia. I can’t recall if I’ve ever seen one here. I have seen them in southern Ontario and you’re right, they do look like prehistoric creatures… pteranodons perhaps? 🙂