(Click to enlarge)
This male (the red nape) Downy Woodpecker looks a lot like a miniature version of its larger cousin, the Hairy Woodpecker. They’ve both got very similar markings including a white back, but the Downy is around 6″ compared to the Hairy’s 9″.
One advantage of trying to photograph birds in winter is that you can get a clearer shot without leaves in the way.
Marine Park Salt Marsh
Brooklyn, New York
I had a woodpecker in a shoe box, once. It had smashed into someone’s storm door and some kids brought it to me. I thought it was dead; but, as I sat in the basement with the door open, watching television, it suddenly woke up and flew away.
Later, I saw a Tom and Jerry cartoon that showed me how useful woodpeckers actually are. I should’ve put a lid on that box…