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.
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
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!
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
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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 !
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…
I know this has been out for 2 years, but I want to thank you for this! My Mom, Gram, Sister and Aunt/Uncle love to watch birds. I grew up learning the knowledge, but not really appreciating it. I do now and I have my own Field Guide by Stan Tekiela for vacations. I do wish there was a book of bird’s backs, if I see one it is usually flying and all I see is their back and tail feathers.
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.
We have a feeder that is made from wire mesh with approx 1 cm openings. It's made for shelled peanuts and all the birds love it, especially woodpeckers! And squirrels.
Your videos are really well done and accurate. I’m 63 and have always loved watching birds as a kid we’d cross-country ski and always take seeds for the Chickadees to eat off your hand. And we had a family of Northern Flickers nesting and raising their young in a tree on our yard. I currently have about 8 different feeders year round. I even have some Baltimore Orioles northern race. They come every summer and I feed them meal worms and grape jelly. Lots of Humming birds as I have lots of trumpet like flowers for them. The Pileated Woodpecker and many many more cardinals blue Jays juncos pine Siskin American gold finch and every evening Great Blue Heron fly over my yard to the lake at the end of the street. It’s really amazing. Cheers from Montreal (Ile Perrot) keep on Birding. ( l have the same Peterson book lol well worn )
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
Thanks Leslie. I just watched your Downy and Northern Flicker videos! Wow! You are so knowledgeable and your videos are excellent tutorials for us new birders Leslie. After looking at your videos and shorts I am so embarrassed to have even attempted my humble channel on birds and nature. But, it is a fun meaningful hobby at my old age, therapeutic and spiritual also. Thank you. I am so glad to have found your channel! 🙂🧡👍🐦⬛🙏
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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! 💞
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.
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!
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! 😄
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!🖤🤍❤
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..
couldn't add this to that long winded text. After the second release when Dolly and Chester came back....Dolly LITERALLY throwing herself at my feed...we discovered the next day they both had some sort of bird pox. There was blistering starting along the side of Cheasters beak. Dolly broke out the next day. Her infection was the worst. We began supplemental syringe feeds again with avian vitamins fore times a day and I covered the areas with antibiotic cream. They were with us an additional two weeks. They both healed in that time but Dolly had a huge bald spot running from her beak side and over her throat. After release we could eventually see new feathers filling in. That's part of the reason we like to think she's further down south...kinda like Downey medical rehab..😊
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.
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.
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!❤
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.
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.
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.
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.
I've got Red Breasted and Downey's here in north Georgia. The Downy prefer the tiny crushed sunflower and thistle seed mix while the larger Red Breasted want the big seed. They hollar for me to put more out on my porch rail. Such a nice story Lesley, cute birds.
Yes, distinguishing between hairy and Downey Woodpeckers was an early challenge in my birding development. Spot on - they are adorable birds. Great video!
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.
Amazing….👏👏 thanks for sharing
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!
@ Miss Dashwood, yes they eat from my hands regularly, I'm in Alberta Canada
@@sherrihasan925 OHHH ALBERTA is GORGEOUS !!! 😍It's in my bucket 🪣list to visit someday !!! 👍👍😀💜🥁🐉🎵🎤🎶💕💞
@@henrybrylowski1332 What were tgey arguing about !? Lol. Do you know ? Got me curious ! 💜🥁🐉🎵🎤🎶💕💞
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
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!
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
I would hear these woodpecker in summer a long time ago ☺️☝️
@@LesleytheBirdNerd these birds are tiny and cute 🥰🥰
@@LesleytheBirdNerd I would hear them peak at trees
@@LesleytheBirdNerdwhenever I read a book about hairy woodpecker it always says it's larger 😒
I liked learning about them hiding from hawks by dodging around trees!
They do that to me too when I want to take their photo.
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.
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.
Aww thank you so much Leonidas :) What a nice compliment.
@@LesleytheBirdNerd what birds would I see in February 🤔
@@LesleytheBirdNerd some people don't compare theses woodpeckers 😒
@@LesleytheBirdNerd thank you Lesley and now I know these birds better 😊
🙂 nice comparence Lesley
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!
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!
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!
Their drumming in the Springtime is a most welcome sound to hear.
The pecks on hardwood per second is astounding. Great drummers.
Ringo Starr is probably jealous.
I live these little guys! Every time I see one, I'll stop what I'm doing just to watch.
Thank YOU, Lesley, for sharing the videos and your knowledge with all of us. Your bird knowledge and love of birds is infectious!
another great video, Lesley. Love those cute little fellas and always look forward to seeing them
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
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
I love the sound of drumming 🥰🥰
@@LesleytheBirdNerd I can can tell from downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker ☝️
@@LesleytheBirdNerd do more woodpeckers 🥰☺️
@@LesleytheBirdNerd I wish the people out there would 🤔 understand these birds aren't alike ☝️
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!!
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.
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.
Cool😊
These guys are like a little spark of life on a gray winter’s day. Seeing them at the feeder is such a joy.
Spot on! Love seeing these darlings any time of the year but especially over winter. :)
I love these these little guys. They make the bush sound alive. Well done again Miss Nerd
I liked learning the difference between the Downy and Hairy, and the living environment they like. So pretty and cute.
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!
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!
I am always fascinated by all the birds, but the downy is the sweetest little thing by far! Thanks for yet another entertaining fact filled video!
Day in and out, these scrappy little farts are my favorite to watch. Thanks for the video. 🇺🇸
Lesley thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
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.
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!
I just love seeing these little guys
I love their pecking on trees when I'm out hiking! Its so comforting😉
Always love to watch them as a kid on snowy days👍
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 !
As always, Lesleythebirdnerd, your videos are awesome. I am fortunate to have Downy Woodpeckers frequent the peanut feeders I have in my yard.
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…
I know this has been out for 2 years, but I want to thank you for this! My Mom, Gram, Sister and Aunt/Uncle love to watch birds. I grew up learning the knowledge, but not really appreciating it. I do now and I have my own Field Guide by Stan Tekiela for vacations. I do wish there was a book of bird’s backs, if I see one it is usually flying and all I see is their back and tail feathers.
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.
Their longevity is fascinating. Especially for such small little guys. Thank you Leslie. I love your videos🐦🕊
I have Downy Woodpeckers in my backyard...I love watching them strut up and down the trees!
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.
Leslie, thank you for another fantastic presentation.
We have a feeder that is made from wire mesh with approx 1 cm openings. It's made for shelled peanuts and all the birds love it, especially woodpeckers! And squirrels.
I saw a lot of Downy Woodpeckers in central Illinois.
I see these in the trees around me often--I saw a big pileated woodpecker the other day, too!
Awesome about seeing the large Pileated.
Cute and spunky. Love them 😚
I love these little birds, when I first started birding they were some of the easiest to spot!
Great video. I enjoy the whole gang as regulars here in Kansas. Downys, Black Capped Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Tufted Titmouses.
I have these here and the Hairy Woodpeckers also. I love them. So cute. ♥ ☺
Your videos are really well done and accurate. I’m 63 and have always loved watching birds as a kid we’d cross-country ski and always take seeds for the Chickadees to eat off your hand. And we had a family of Northern Flickers nesting and raising their young in a tree on our yard. I currently have about 8 different feeders year round. I even have some Baltimore Orioles northern race. They come every summer and I feed them meal worms and grape jelly. Lots of Humming birds as I have lots of trumpet like flowers for them. The Pileated Woodpecker and many many more cardinals blue Jays juncos pine Siskin American gold finch and every evening Great Blue Heron fly over my yard to the lake at the end of the street. It’s really amazing. Cheers from Montreal (Ile Perrot) keep on Birding. ( l have the same Peterson book lol well worn )
Learning a lot from this. Thanks.
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!
I love these guys! I have a bunch at my feeders along with the Hairy Woodpeckers too!
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
Thanks Leslie. I just watched your Downy and Northern Flicker videos! Wow! You are so knowledgeable and your videos are excellent tutorials for us new birders Leslie. After looking at your videos and shorts I am so embarrassed to have even attempted my humble channel on birds and nature. But, it is a fun meaningful hobby at my old age, therapeutic and spiritual also. Thank you. I am so glad to have found your channel! 🙂🧡👍🐦⬛🙏
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!
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.
Thank you for thievery informative and sweet video about our little bird friends Miss Leslyourbirdnerd.
So Beautiful. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
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.
Now I think I know which woodpecker was living outside my old house! Thank you Lesley! Great work as always.
You’re welcome 😊
I Remember The First Time I Saw One In My Backyard, And I Can Confirm That It’s Sparrow Sized! Aww, So Cute!
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!
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.
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.
I enjoyed learning about the difference between the downy and hairy calls. I realized I’ve heard the babies too. Thank you Lesley.
You are so welcome
Royal Majesty , Woody Woodpecker . 🕊
Beautiful birds !
I love their little squeaks when they want me to move away from the suet or refil it 😆😅
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! 💞
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.
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 ✌️
Such a pretty little 🐦 bird.
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.
I’ve always called them Little Sap Suckers. They are always the first to show up when I refill the suet feeder. Thanks Lesley!!!
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!
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! 😄
Haha! They are darlings that's for sure. :)
Thank you for sharing. You continue to expand my bird knowledge and for that I am grateful.
Thank you again Lesley, for the video and commentary.
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 😊
What a lovely little bird! I had no idea there were such tiny woodpeckers...just 1 ounce! Amazing.
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.
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!🖤🤍❤
I make sure to have suet for them. 😊
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..
Absolutely top notch documentary with exquisite photography. I would to see more videos in this series.
couldn't add this to that long winded text. After the second release when Dolly and Chester came back....Dolly LITERALLY throwing herself at my feed...we discovered the next day they both had some sort of bird pox. There was blistering starting along the side of Cheasters beak. Dolly broke out the next day. Her infection was the worst. We began supplemental syringe feeds again with avian vitamins fore times a day and I covered the areas with antibiotic cream. They were with us an additional two weeks. They both healed in that time but Dolly had a huge bald spot running from her beak side and over her throat. After release we could eventually see new feathers filling in. That's part of the reason we like to think she's further down south...kinda like Downey medical rehab..😊
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.
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.
Funny story with the tripod 😂
Great facts. You pretty much covered it 👍 😊 thanks for sharing
We have a few that frequent our feeders!! I love them and am thrilled everytime I see them!! Thank you for the information, Leslie ❤
We have 2 males and a couple females in our backyard daily!! They truly are the cutest!! 🥰
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!❤
I just saw my 1st Downey today.. it was awesome... Thank you very much for this video ..
Aww how awesome! :)
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!
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.
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.
Thanks for the specific details to tell Hairy & Downies apart!👍
You're welcome :)
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.
I like that your videos are factual, personally narrated, educationally entertaining & relaxing.
Wow, thank you!
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 !❤
Had a wee beauty on my suet feeder today. West Michigan, 7 miles east of Lake Michigan. Was a delight to see!!!
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.
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.
Oh my what a little darling. How nice that you had that experience
I've got Red Breasted and Downey's here in north Georgia. The Downy prefer the tiny crushed sunflower and thistle seed mix while the larger Red Breasted want the big seed. They hollar for me to put more out on my porch rail. Such a nice story Lesley, cute birds.
It's fun to have birds that tell you what they want! 😄
Yes, distinguishing between hairy and Downey Woodpeckers was an early challenge in my birding development. Spot on - they are adorable birds. Great video!
My Downy snacks on the suet, they really love. I think I'll build a box next Spring.