The DOWNY WOODPECKER | Smallest in North America

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A familiar sight at backyard feeders, the Downy is the smallest North American woodpecker. Belonging to the Picidae family, with an estimated global breeding population of 14 million, measuring roughly 5.5-6.5 in (14-17 cm) and weighing close to one ounce (21-28 g) this black and white bird with a kind of checkered pattern in the wings can be found in most of the United States and Canada.
Some mistake the Downy for a Hairy Woodpecker to be the same bird but if you look closely there are many differences to learn. One of the wonderful things about these little darlings is that they are more than happy to take advantage of feeders with suet, delighting people as they watch them enjoying some lunch. Downys also like black oil sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, and chunky peanut butter. Sometimes they’ll even take a sip from an oriole or hummingbird feeder. Some of their most notable calls are the Whinny Call and Pic note call
Timestamps:
0:00 Start
0:30 Population numbers
0:44 Appearance, Male and Female
1:16 Range, Location
1:59 Difference between Hairy and Downy Woodpecker
2:44 Reginal differences in the west
3:02 Habitat and where to find them
3:28 What they eat and type of bird feeder
4:38 Drumming
5:49 Calls and Sounds ( Whinny/whinnying call) (Pic/pick note call)
6:09 Breeding, Nesting, Brood, Incubation, Nest Box
8:00 Behaviors
8:35 How long they can live
8:56 Conclusion and my own thoughts
Hairy Woodpecker drumming produced by Ottawa County Parks (Michigan) and OvenBirder98/
KZfaq: / @ovenbirder
Website: miottawa.org/Parks/birding.htm
KZfaq: • Virtual Woodpecker Walk
Song - Castleshire - Chris Haugen via KZfaq Audio Library
Photos/videos and audio from free use websites:
The individuals' names can be found on their respective photo/video and /or found below (license at the end)
Thumbnail:
Downy Woodpecker portion of thumbnail taken by "Photosbyjimn" from canva.com/pro
The original background was removed and changed to trees also the bird was flipped horizontally.
Whinny call
William Whitehead, XC590054. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/590054
Clip was shortened and had some background noise removed
Pic call
Paul Marvin, XC460829. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/460829
Clip was shortened to use end section only
Begging Calls
Elias Aristides Elias, XC246331. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/246331
Clip was shortened and had some background noise removed
Back yard by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
Park bridge by diego_torres from Pixabay
Orchard by Janelle Schindler from Pixabay
Woodland by James Owen from Pexels
Flowing Brook by Erik Mclean from Pexels
Berries by MatteoDestefano from Canva.com/pro
Corn grain by Branex from Canva.com/pro
Acorns by Serpantin from Canva.com.pro
Insect damaged wood by filin72 from Canva.com/pro
Chickadee by LesleytheBirdNerd
Nuthatch by LesleytheBirdNerd
Titmouse by Skyler Ewing from Pexels
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Pixabay.com
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#LesleytheBirdNerd #DownyWoodpecker

Пікірлер: 490

@MissDashwood1 2 жыл бұрын

While hand feeding very tame black-capped chickadees yesterday in a park, a male downy woodpecker wanted in on the action and landed 3 times on my hand to look at the black oil sunflower seeds. He didn't take any, but he hung off the edge of my hand for quite a few seconds and then from the wrist of my coat. An absolute thrill for me. I just found your channel Lesley, your videos are superb, thank you for what you do. Update: I've since been lucky enough to have downy woodpeckers sitting on the palm of my hand for minutes at a time snacking on finely crushed UNSALTED sunflower seeds and peanuts. They tend to show up in couples and always the males bravely eat first and then the reluctant females will eat with the protection of her partner close by. If the nuts and seeds are whole, they take one and go but if they are finely crushed they stay in the hand as long as 4 minutes.

@joniangelsrreal6262 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing….👏👏 thanks for sharing

@henrybrylowski1332 2 жыл бұрын

I these & hear these guys all the time! Last weekend I watched 2 pairs of them arguing most of the afternoon! It was rather comical & entertaining!

@sherrihasan925 2 жыл бұрын

@ Miss Dashwood, yes they eat from my hands regularly, I'm in Alberta Canada

@spark_6710 2 жыл бұрын

@@sherrihasan925 OHHH ALBERTA is GORGEOUS !!! 😍It's in my bucket 🪣list to visit someday !!! 👍👍😀💜🥁🐉🎵🎤🎶💕💞

@spark_6710 2 жыл бұрын

@@henrybrylowski1332 What were tgey arguing about !? Lol. Do you know ? Got me curious ! 💜🥁🐉🎵🎤🎶💕💞

@lesliemoiseauthor 2 жыл бұрын

I liked learning about them hiding from hawks by dodging around trees!

@Michael-s2p3p 2 жыл бұрын

They do that to me too when I want to take their photo.

@leonidaslantz5249 2 жыл бұрын

Lesley, no one does a bird video like you.Your photos, filming and commentary are wonderful. I had no idea how long they live. #goDownys.

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Aww thank you so much Leonidas :) What a nice compliment.

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd what birds would I see in February 🤔

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd some people don't compare theses woodpeckers 😒

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd thank you Lesley and now I know these birds better 😊

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

🙂 nice comparence Lesley

@RobinMarks1313 2 жыл бұрын

I've got one that comes daily to get peanuts. I can stand against the railing on my deck, and the bird will come up right beside me and isn't afraid at all. I love watching them take a peanut, fly to a nearby branch, wedge the peanut into the back, and then start pounding away on the shell to unlock the goodness inside. Peanuts are crack for birds. They're addicted.

@mamaboocee 2 жыл бұрын

I take peanut halves and wedge them into gaps in the wood on my deck and wooden fence. Like you said they love to come and peck out that peanutty goodness and it's fun to see! I had to switch to almonds because a neighbor child is allergic to peanuts - and they find them wedged in the ground in their yard (the work of blue jays caching their bounty). The birds are not as crazy about the almonds. I think they see peanuts in the shell much easier to see and to peck apart! And they probably taste better, too.

@dianasimiand8520 2 жыл бұрын

Cool😊

@theteenagegardener 2 жыл бұрын

I love seeing these guys at my feeding stations! Every time one flies to my suet feeders or seed stacker feeders, I immediately pause and don’t move a muscle so I can watch them and not accidentally scare them. Great video Lesley! Thank you!

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, I'm glad you enjoyed this video. :) Seems like we both react similarly when we see these little guys. I'm very cautious about how I move and try not to move very much. I enjoy watching them. Take care

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

I would hear these woodpecker in summer a long time ago ☺️☝️

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd these birds are tiny and cute 🥰🥰

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I would hear them peak at trees

@micahbirdlover8152 Жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerdwhenever I read a book about hairy woodpecker it always says it's larger 😒

@neildbarker 2 жыл бұрын

I like that little fact about how they use their tail feathers as a brace when going up and down trees. That's something that always makes me smile watching them work a tree. Thanks for sharing and happy birding!

@jackiewessel7195 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful little birds! I love seeing them at our feeder. I really liked the video. I like the perfect roundness of their nest hole. Looks machine made!

@megansfo 2 жыл бұрын

Downy Woodpeckers are real acrobats, and they come to my suet feeders every day. Yesterday a tiny male sat on my deck rail with his minute red crest fully extended. So cute! Thanks for this new video, Leslie!

@thegrouchyfish 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed learning the differences between the downy and hairy woodpeckers! I always knew about the size difference, but never knew about the difference in their markings. I always get many downys at my feeders and they often spend as much time chasing each other around as they do feeding. Thank you for the awesome video! Happy birding!!

@johnstutzman5520 2 жыл бұрын

Their drumming in the Springtime is a most welcome sound to hear.

@nottrash9034 2 жыл бұрын

I was having a bad mushroom trip. I was so still outside on my patio that a lil downy came by and pick from the feeder for a while and didn’t even care I was there. Filled my heart with joy!

@billko867 2 жыл бұрын

I live these little guys! Every time I see one, I'll stop what I'm doing just to watch.

@turkeyvulture2882 2 жыл бұрын

I just love seeing these little guys

@cindydufala7646 2 жыл бұрын

The pecks on hardwood per second is astounding. Great drummers.

@bobhamulak3646 5 ай бұрын

Ringo Starr is probably jealous.

@janhammer4852 2 жыл бұрын

Always love to watch them as a kid on snowy days👍

@WhistlesToAnimals 2 жыл бұрын

That's one of my buddies! Comes to my yard, doesn't say anything to anyone, except maybe to make squeaky sounds before landing. When other birds are hanging out in their groups, these guys stop by solo, but recently they have been bringing their young to my yard. Often times, I've been so close to them and not know it, only to look up and see them right in front of me. They sometimes fly by the side of my face without me knowing it, starting off behind my head so I don't realize it until they pass. They aren't super shy like cardinals, so it's easier to feed and photograph them. This is the first year they started eating sunflower seeds at my place, and I have seen them walk on the ground this year too, never seen that before. Adorable bird indeed!

@thebirdartistscottage 2 жыл бұрын

This dapper little woodpecker is certainly one of my favorites! I hear them calling around the Cottage and love seeing them visit my suet feeders during the winter. I am glad they’re so tolerant and adaptable-we always have them around the neighborhood. I can attest to their fondness of blueberries! They raid my bushes every year, along with the House Finches and chickadees. Thanks for another lovely video, Lesley! You always brighten my day! ✨ - Tara Kate

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

How cute about them enjoying the blueberries you have in your yard. Adorable little birds. Thank you for the kind comment, I'm so glad you enjoy these videos. Take care

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

I love the sound of drumming 🥰🥰

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I can can tell from downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker ☝️

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd do more woodpeckers 🥰☺️

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd I wish the people out there would 🤔 understand these birds aren't alike ☝️

@noelborden8787 2 жыл бұрын

Your story about the woodpecker sliding down your tripod pole is to funny. I, too, adore watching them all year around. Where I live they are constant visitors to my feeders.

@michaelleblanc7283 2 жыл бұрын

Always learning - Now I finally know why a woodpecker was drumming on the metal cable cover of our telephone pole - thought he'd just gone 'looney' at first.

@gettingold59 2 жыл бұрын

I love these these little guys. They make the bush sound alive. Well done again Miss Nerd

@faybayers3750 2 жыл бұрын

Another enjoyable and interesting video! Woodpeckers visit our feeding stations quite often, mostly the downy but I did see a hairy the other day. Last year I left a suet cake on a planter on my deck and a pileated woodpecker came and ate! It was so close to the window I was able to get a great video. Made my day because I had never seen one!

@JA51711 2 жыл бұрын

Cute and spunky. Love them 😚

@JamestheBartholemeu 2 жыл бұрын

Leslie, thank you for another fantastic presentation.

@josephbailey4463 2 жыл бұрын

These guys are like a little spark of life on a gray winter’s day. Seeing them at the feeder is such a joy.

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Spot on! Love seeing these darlings any time of the year but especially over winter. :)

@jdschini 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this video showing the differences between the “Downy” & “Hairy” woodpeckers. I have both living in our small woods behind our house. And they do visit our feeders on a regular basis. So now your video will help me be able to identify who is who at my feeders.

@philipwurm5121 2 жыл бұрын

I love these little fellas and have them in my yard everyday .They sure love my suet and just like you said I see them hanging with Chickadees, Juncos, Nuthatches and Tufted Titmouse. It’s common for me to see them with Red Bellies, Cardinals and Blue Jays also this time of year as the temp drops in New Jersey. Thanx for another great video Lesley…

@jeanbryant4180 2 жыл бұрын

Their longevity is fascinating. Especially for such small little guys. Thank you Leslie. I love your videos🐦🕊

@earFront 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for thievery informative and sweet video about our little bird friends Miss Leslyourbirdnerd.

@joanneguille524 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Lesley. .thankful so much for the Downey video. Late last spring a neighbour cut a large tree branch didlodging 6 baby doeneys. Long story short my son and I managed to find 4. I tore my bedroom apart and using a large crock...placed many wind broken maple branches.We syringe fed the babies for over a week until they could feed themselves from a suite block.. fruit.. and peanut butter I put in the branches. Twice we released them...first time they goofed around then came back to us when they were hungry. Second release saw two larger males..Woody and Eric...eventually fly off but Dolly and Chester stayed. Third release they both settled in the maples of back and were also coming to the suite block and fruit we hung in the trees. When last seen Dolly was hanging with a group including a nuthatcher and chickadee. Winter saw Chester still coming to the feed station but Dolly we like to think of in Florida hanging by a pool ordering bug coladas. Have not seen Chester in several weeks but I pray that we will see them again this spring. Love from Southwestern Ontario. ..Jo

@themovies2000 2 жыл бұрын

I liked learning the difference between the Downy and Hairy, and the living environment they like. So pretty and cute.

@paulapierce8359 2 жыл бұрын

We left our window open and the screen was off . He flew right in and was perched on our headboard ! My husband came into the room and was very surprised -I have a pair in my yard and they love the suet feeder . The are adorable . Your presentation was so informative Lesley ! Thank you !

@siduri03rob 2 жыл бұрын

The kindness you show to our feathered friends, your knowledge and willingness to share photos and give such sweet commentary really settles my soul in these times of TOO MUCH news. I love birds and all wildlife, live in the woods near Homer, Alaska and am fortunate to commonly have Harries and Downies around. I enjoyed the more subtle differences you pointed out; markings, calls, and drummings. Thank you for what you do!

@dodgenative8847 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I enjoy the whole gang as regulars here in Kansas. Downys, Black Capped Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Tufted Titmouses.

@dancostello6465 Ай бұрын

I know a downey that often came around to see me in the woods. Last time he came brought me his new mate. They do have their own characters. It's a pleasant visitor to meet in the woods.

@GB-sh9st 2 жыл бұрын

I see these in the trees around me often--I saw a big pileated woodpecker the other day, too!

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome about seeing the large Pileated.

@kristeetrisler4942 2 жыл бұрын

I have not had the privilege of seeing a Downey nest hole BUT my mated pair Clifford and Gloria had a brood this year. Clifford was named by my 4 year old after he knocked himself silly on our glass door. That was the first time. Last winter I was getting ready to leave for our local Audubon to join with a yearly membership. I heard that thump that some of us all to sadly know. I literally ran out the door and found my Clifford in the snow. I picked him up and sat with him until he gained his composure. I am so happy to say he recovered well enough to raise his young this year. Every window now has decals or stickers to avoid a collision again.

@canadiankabingurl9782 2 жыл бұрын

I have these here and the Hairy Woodpeckers also. I love them. So cute. ♥ ☺

@keefry 2 жыл бұрын

We get both Downy and Hairy woodpeckers at our suet feeders and you can tell who is outside by how loud and sharp the BEEP call is, haha. Same call, different volume. Thank you for showing us these cute woodpeckers!

@karena2685 2 жыл бұрын

Love these little woodpeckers! I have them most every day at my feeders they love my sunflower seeds and the suet. I live in SW Virginia.

@wezlydog 2 жыл бұрын

I love these guys! I have a bunch at my feeders along with the Hairy Woodpeckers too!

@ivy4207 2 жыл бұрын

I have Downy Woodpeckers in my backyard...I love watching them strut up and down the trees!

@saralyleantolik607 2 жыл бұрын

Have been lucky enough to see 3 of these beautiful birds. In Meridian IDAHO. So exciting… always watching for them. Thank you for the video ✌️

@john65645 Жыл бұрын

Living in the Rockies in Colorado we enjoy watching these all the time. One thing no one told me when I retired was that I needed to budget for bird seed!

@johnwalters1341 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your latest video. When I first moved to the San Diego, CA area in the mid-1980s, Downy Woodpecker was only found in extreme north county around Oceanside. Their range has extended southward since then. In these parts they are a riparian species, found along our small streams and rivers. They still aren't very common, so it is always a treat running into one. Our common small woodpecker in coastal southern California is Nuttall's Woodpecker; we get Hairy Woodpecker mostly in the mountains.

@ginafriend1690 2 жыл бұрын

However not appreciating the frigid temps in IL, I can appreciate the wooded area I live in. I do have them visiting my suet feeders daily. They are indeed beautiful and very showy! I must have a ton looking for mates, ratta-a-tat-tat! I need to get a nest box myself. Thank you for update, Lesley. Happy birding! 💞

@lindastapleton2324 2 жыл бұрын

I love these little birds, when I first started birding they were some of the easiest to spot!

@TheMadMarchsHare 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, you have become our go to person when ever my boyfriend and I find a new bird!! So much useful information thanks for making these 😊

@jonminer9891 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, Leslie. I guess I enjoyed learning about how fast they can peck on the tree. 25 per second! Wow! Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

@libraryscholaralexis6581 2 жыл бұрын

I liked getting to learn about them ducking quickly behind the tree to hide themselves from from hawks. I never knew that and it was really nice to learn.

@jackstutts6439 2 жыл бұрын

Downy Woodpeckers are so much fun to watch. They always seem to be present in my yard. I didn't know they are so territorial.

@mrpisces5844 9 ай бұрын

Living in a apartment in Madison WI 2yrs ago I put out a Hummingbird feeder to see if we could get a hummer to feed. Well, that was a success, I bought some suet & a hanging feeder. I believe it took less than 1hr & sure enough a female woody showed up & fed. Not long after that we figured out that any animal in the forest will eat peanuts,put some out on the porch and sure enough we had a Hairy also. Male & female both. They are fun to watch and I'm glad that they trust me enough to come as close to me as they do:) Loving birds in Madison..

@julieprior3126 2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely little bird! I had no idea there were such tiny woodpeckers...just 1 ounce! Amazing.

@andrewdock7288 2 жыл бұрын

Such a pretty little 🐦 bird.

@melindablackwell6978 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Lesley! I have learned a few birding tips from your videos. I have spotted this cutie in my woods and in my pine tree. I have a collection now of feeder’s lol, soon this spring and summer a few bird boxes I will put up, I have seen this downey come to my suet feeder I have seen 2, with the black cap chicadee and tit mouse! I love watching the bird’s and seeing them come to the feeder’s it warms my heart. I now have to really watch out we spotted a hawk not just one hawk but 2 hawk’s, the black crow’s also eat and keep the hawks away! Im from saint Joseph Michigan so it’s winter here now! Happy birding and thank you for sharing your beautiful bird’s! I love all bird’s squirrels deer bunnies I have them all I feed! Happy birding friend! XO!❤

@BigKevsPlace1 2 жыл бұрын

As always, Lesleythebirdnerd, your videos are awesome. I am fortunate to have Downy Woodpeckers frequent the peanut feeders I have in my yard.

@debslifesimplified6406 2 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of Downies here I feed regular. Ive been able to watch them for three years and watch them raise their babies. Its fun to watch them.

@mechele4848 2 жыл бұрын

When trees break or struck by lightening I tell the Tree crew to leave the part still standing for the birds. And there Was a woodpecker living in one already that I can see.

@staufferfamily9629 2 жыл бұрын

Yay! Another great video! Thank you! I was happy to hear how long they can live. We've seen them grab onto the bird feeder pole and slide down too lol. So funny and cute to watch! 😄

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Haha! They are darlings that's for sure. :)

@donpowlen 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve always called them Little Sap Suckers. They are always the first to show up when I refill the suet feeder. Thanks Lesley!!!

@lostbooks2918 2 жыл бұрын

I love their little squeaks when they want me to move away from the suet or refil it 😆😅

@bobmclennan1727 2 жыл бұрын

At first I had trouble deciding if our feeder was attracting downy or hairy woodpeckers, until one day a genuine hairy woodpecker showed up and absolutely dwarfed the other birds we'd been seeing. The size difference really is unmistakable.

@johntbd 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely tiny bird. I was thrilled this year with the addition of suet to the yard a downy showed up. As far as I could tell there was just a male. He was comfortable at the feeder yet did not show up regularly. I do hope to see a pair some day. Thanks for the video.

@WhistlesToAnimals 2 жыл бұрын

I put up a suet feeder so that the chickadees would make it through the winter as it was getting colder. The chickadees moved away I suppose, but a downy or two showed up, then came the red bellied woodpecker. If my bird visitors can find a place better than I can provide for them, I wish them that! I wouldn't want to be the only nice person to wildlife in my area, but it seems to be that way where I am. I'm in a position where I'm wishing for them better and more habitats and better human hosts.

@amywoodson1623 2 жыл бұрын

Such lovely, curious birds. I love them. They always entertain me at my feeders. When they hop on my deck, they cock their heads like they are trying to figure something out. Way cute.

@marylou7089 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed learning about the difference between the downy and hairy calls. I realized I’ve heard the babies too. Thank you Lesley.

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome

@lynngordy5064 Жыл бұрын

We have enjoyed your special rapport with your woods, your wildlife and your viewers. This is our first msg, but our regular response after viewing your vids is we love birds, especially through your eyes. Thank you. Love, GnL

@dsc4178 2 жыл бұрын

We have a Downy and a Hairy female nearby, there must be males too. I rarely see them, but when I do, I stare. Love those woodpeckers!

@jenamyallen 2 жыл бұрын

We have a few that frequent our feeders!! I love them and am thrilled everytime I see them!! Thank you for the information, Leslie ❤

@canadiankabingurl9782 2 жыл бұрын

I make sure to have suet for them. 😊

@leslie2746 Жыл бұрын

We have a pair of Downey Woodpeckers that visit our feeders regularly. The male is here 2-3 times a day. They love to eat Suet and Nylar seeds. They're so fun to watch.

@thomasgunter5152 2 ай бұрын

I love watching these birds , the live my suet, and the new suet feeder I built. Your videos are awesome I live how you present everything !❤

@canadiankabingurl9782 2 жыл бұрын

Funny story with the tripod 😂 Great facts. You pretty much covered it 👍 😊 thanks for sharing

@wyomingadventures 2 жыл бұрын

I loved learning about the difference in their drumming sounds. Thankfully I've learned other things about wood peckers from you. How to tell them apart and drumming isn't looking for food. Thanks Leslie!🖤🤍❤

@stardust949 2 жыл бұрын

I loved you pointing out the differences between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers---I'll be a little better at telling them apart now! Thank you.

@ashleyscreativecorne 2 жыл бұрын

We have 2 males and a couple females in our backyard daily!! They truly are the cutest!! 🥰

@demultiplexdfunc177 2 жыл бұрын

Wouldn’t it be awesome if they can solve the infestation of bark beetle affecting virtually all of continental America? I like to dream.

@donnabetz1167 Жыл бұрын

I saw one today. Found your you tube site and became educated. You have the most soothing voice with great knowledge of bird’s. You made a difference in my life for birding this winter. I thank you for increasing my new born passion.

@rockmathias1848 11 ай бұрын

Your work is amazing. Great photography, love your narration. So informative. Cute story about the tripod. Please keep it up.

@Ghost-oe9bz 3 ай бұрын

Increases

@RichardBirchett 11 ай бұрын

Hi Lesley, Just found your channel as I've just moved to Canada, I was researching the Downy Woodpecker which is such a charming little bird! Still getting to know all the fantastic birds Canada has to offer! I'll be watching your channel closely to pickup some tips on the bird species. Keep up the great work, Top content. All the best Rich

@EmbraceTheJourney 2 жыл бұрын

another great video, Lesley. Love those cute little fellas and always look forward to seeing them

@s1nd3r3llee 2 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU, Lesley, for sharing the videos and your knowledge with all of us. Your bird knowledge and love of birds is infectious!

@bluebirdwatcher8624 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I took on bird watching as a hobby during the pandemic and absolutely love learning from you. Hubby bought me binoculars and we have ventured out to nearby reserves to enjoy the wonderful sightings. We have spotted blackbirds, owls, and bald eagles. It has been a very rewarding and fascinating hobby. As I am watching this video, I am also keeping an eye out for our adorable couple of downies living in our backyard forest in central MA for several years now. They come down to our feeders twice, sometimes three times a day. Our regulars include cardinals, blue jays, snowies, chickadees, and all sorts of finches.

@crescent_foxx1014 2 жыл бұрын

I've heard these little guys in my neighborhood for quite a long time, and I've always wondered what bird was making that noise. I'm glad that I found this video and found out!

@rayoster2872 2 жыл бұрын

I particularly enjoyed the differences between the downy and hairy. We have many of them and enjoy watching them year round. From SW Minnesota, prairie country.

@angelamaciver2208 Жыл бұрын

What a little beauty!😊

@cobrachicken07 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, distinguishing between hairy and Downey Woodpeckers was an early challenge in my birding development. Spot on - they are adorable birds. Great video!

@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane 2 жыл бұрын

Love the Downys! Ours will keep one eye on the suet and one on me and our bird dog when we're looking at them through the window! And the Hairys do the same, although the Downys seem much braver and don't fly away as readily. Now that Fall is here, the Downys like to stay in our Bluebird nestboxes for shelter at night. Very sweet birds indeed. 😀 Loved your story about how one slid down your camera tripod! That "branch" didn't have any grip, lol! I also love watching them move from side to side, or even just their heads side to side... seems to be a woodpecker thing... I really enjoy seeing the piliateds do that!

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Aww what a little sweeties, love that they stay in your bluebird nestboxes. I'm glad you enjoyed the story about the Downy that slid down my tripod leg, haha! Cute birds. I think you are right, it's a woodpecker thing. moving side to side. Love them

@MaryArneson 2 жыл бұрын

Downy woodpeckers cleaned the Japanese beetles off my green bean tower! I love them.

@dalihoover9366 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the specific details to tell Hairy & Downies apart!👍

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome :)

@susana.954 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the lovely video!! I didn't know their nasal bristles served a purpose other than to make them look cute. :-) It was interesting to learn that they protect the Downey's nostrils from woodchips. It was also neat how they evade hawks by using tree trunks as a shield. Downy Woodpeckers are definitely one of my favorite birds. They are so cute and curious and only a little bit bigger than House Sparrows. They rarely visit my feeders because I don't offer suet, but when they do come, it is always a treat to see them! Also, I love their high-pitched, descending call. I usually hear it in the evening, and it is a nice way to end the day. Good luck attracting Downy Woodpeckers to your nest boxes!

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

I know hey, those thick bristles add to their cuteness but it's pretty neat to know that it actually serves a very good purpose to them :) They are darling little birds, definitely a favorite of mine too. Thanks for the good wishes with attracting a pair to the nest box :) Have a wonderful day

@micahbirdlover8152 2 жыл бұрын

@@LesleytheBirdNerd everytime I read about the downywood pecker the book always says it looks like the hairy woodpecker 😒

@morganw.2473 2 жыл бұрын

I can tell you for certain that a pair nesting in a hollow tree nearby my property this past Spring added at least two to the estimated 14 million. 🤣 I love watching them! However, living in a Western Cedar home presents its challenges with having them around. I had to shoo the female and one of her young away from pecking and looking for Carpenter Bee larvae on my back porch more than a few times. A strategically placed makeshift Scarecrow made of a mop and old shirt did the trick, even if I had to hear about it for a day or two! 🤣 Thanks for the video!

@elizabethanne8729 2 жыл бұрын

One of these little gents accompanied me for a ways through the Vermont woods yesterday. He was so curious. How adorable. I also saw two hermit thrushes as I exited the woods.

@LesleytheBirdNerd 2 жыл бұрын

Oh my what a little darling. How nice that you had that experience

@GaryAa56 2 жыл бұрын

My Downy snacks on the suet, they really love. I think I'll build a box next Spring.

@tomtheplummer7322 2 жыл бұрын

My natural downy bird house blew down in the last windstorm. It was an old dead Canadian Bird Cherry. I had lopped all but one stump of a branch and left the trunk. Had woodpeckers for several years in a row. Chickadees would use the holes after the peckers left. Gonna miss those guys this coming spring.

@frustratedatheist9885 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lesley for these videos! I did not know about the feathers over their nostrils, the Downy is adoreable!

@huntforbigfloptober1333 10 ай бұрын

My cat is obsessed with this channel now lol I came across one and just kept watching because this channel is so cozy and it’s fascinating learning about the birds I see on cat tv. My cat got super into the hummingbird video and now perks up when she heard your voice in hopes to see great bird closeups 🤣

@tomandcody Жыл бұрын

I'll place smears of SuperCrunch peanut butter in the shrub branches off of my patio slider. The Downies will appear mere minutes after placement of the crunchy peanut butter which suggests they monitor the feeding area. They are quite the entertainers! Thank you for your excellent documentaries.

@sugarmaven 2 жыл бұрын

I love this video. Thank you so much. I love how they seem to play hide and seek as they dodge back and forth behind branches and trunks. Charming and adorable, indeed!

@ABirdersParadise 2 жыл бұрын

Downy Woodpeckers are so cute!

@s1nd3r3llee 2 жыл бұрын

We have Downy Woodpeckers frequent our North Carolina backyard suet feeder as well as our mixed seed bird feeder. We buy the spicy hot suet, so as to keep those pesky squirrels from eating it. The birds don’t mind the spiciness, but the squirrels are repelled by it. The Downy Woodpeckers probably come to our suet feeder more than any other species of birds. They are such sweet little birds to watch. I love hearing their cute, little “pik” call notes to one another.

@hiverchaud 2 жыл бұрын

Cutie little darlings!!💜💜💜🧡🧡🧡💛💛💛💋💋💋👄👄👄

@nickivanaltena923 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, Lesley!

@earllutz2663 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you again Lesley, for the video and commentary.

@GDJason 2 жыл бұрын

I regularly have a few pairs of Downy woodpeckers as well as one solitary male Hairy woodpecker in my back yard. One of my favorites to watch as they move around the trees. Them and the Blue Jays, of course!