Not long after a downpour of rain yesterday, this wet and scruffy male Downy Woodpecker flew in and landed on a vine near the suet feeder. I’m glad he did.
Wet and scruffy male Downy Woodpecker – Canon R7, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
It’s been a while since I shared a Downy Woodpecker, and he just seems perfect for the wet, rainy, somewhat windy spring weather we’ve been having here.
He does look a bit soggy, frazzled, and scruffy! But it’s nesting time, and some of his feathers may be scruffy from excavating a nesting cavity nearby.
I photographed him after he made me laugh yesterday morning.
The Common Grackles in the neighborhood have been making pigs of themselves at the suet feeder lately. They’ve been going through as much as a cake of suet per day.
To keep them from eating it all, we’ve been taking the suet feeder down when we’re not outside. But that also means the other birds that enjoy the suet have to wait for it to be hung up again before they can eat.
Well, I was outside for a moment when I saw the male Downy Woodpecker perched on the vine, looking for the suet feeder. On a whim, I picked it up and held it in the air from the deck.
It took less than a second for the Downy Woodpecker to make a beeline or maybe a bird line to the suet feeder. He landed on it briefly, then paused when he realized I was the one holding it up.
That made me laugh.
He flew off in a hurry, but I could tell he really, really wanted some suet. Badly!
The suet feeder got hung up, the scruffy little Downy Woodpecker got his breakfast, I had a lovely laugh, and then I grabbed my gear to photograph him.
And life is good. Happy Easter everyone.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Downy Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love the angle of this shot. This poor little guy sure looks like he’s been pounded by the wet weather. The eye contact is wonderful. Thanks Mia.
It is good to know that even birds have bad feather days. He must have been really hungry – thank you for giving in to him.
Mia, good morning from sunny Florida.
Terrific photograph of Mr. Downy. Scruffy? Having just looked into a mirror, I think he looks positively sleek.
I hope you are well. Evidently, my link to your blog fell through the cracks of the boardwalk within what’s left of my brain. Take good care.
Wally