IT spend a long time trying to get a good photo of this Red-bellied Woodpecker. He would hide behind the tree, then show up only to hide again.
One more note: Go Bucks .. OSU Buckeyes win the natty. Yeah.
~ Rick
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We certainly did not expect to see this Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I have photographed them in the past but it has been a long time. This one was going to town on that suet cake then landed in a nearby tree. Teresa captured photo of him in the tree. He was hard to see there. What a cool woodpecker.
~ Rick
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We are seeting large numbers of Downy Woodpeckers. There are a few other species but not nearly as many as these woodpeckers.
I asked Grok to tell me about downy behaviors and received this: Downy woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) exhibit several interesting behaviors:
Foraging: They primarily feed on insects, especially wood-boring beetles, ants, and caterpillars. They use their strong, straight bills to peck at tree bark, searching for insects hidden beneath. They can also be seen eating seeds, berries, and occasionally sap from sapsucker wells.
Drumming: Males often drum on trees or other resonant surfaces to establish territory and attract mates. This drumming is less intense and lower in frequency compared to larger woodpeckers, producing a rapid, softer tapping sound.
Climbing: Unlike many birds, downy woodpeckers can climb vertically up tree trunks and move headfirst down them, thanks to their stiff tail feathers which provide support and balance.
Excavation: They excavate their own nesting cavities in dead or decaying trees, which they use for breeding. Both males and females participate in this process, though the male often does the majority of the work.
Social Behavior: While generally solitary, they might join mixed-species flocks during non-breeding seasons. They are not as territorial outside of the breeding season and can sometimes be seen in loose groups.
Communication: They have a variety of calls including a high-pitched 'pik' for contact or alarm, and a whinnying call during courtship or territorial disputes.
Nice!
Rick
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We are not sseing much diversity lately .. it feels like we see the same birds most days. They have been very active so we enjoy capturing their pictures. In this case its a Downy Woodpecker.
~ Rick
Check out my vlog, which includes more of my photography and videography: tales.photos (on YouTube). Remember to like, comment and subscribe!
My photo blog can be found at tales.photos.
©2019 ©2020 ©2021 ©2022 ©2023 ©2024 Rick Cartwright
I just had to laugh at this woodpecker. She was so intense about this effort. Too funny.
~ Rick
Check out my vlog, which includes more of my photography and videography: tales.photos (on YouTube). Remember to like, comment and subscribe!
My photo blog can be found at tales.photos.
©2019 ©2020 ©2021 ©2022 ©2023 ©2024 Rick Cartwright