Hello Tweets,

I've been a subscriber now for about three weeks, what a database of
info.

I have some questions regarding Downy Woodpeckers:

In trying to determine it was a Downy, Peterson's says it is about 6"
long. Does this include the tail feathers?

I currently have at least two frequenting my peanut suet. Recently I
have noticed one bird feeding the other suet (fledgling, I'm guessing?).
I made a Downy nesting box, dimensions are exactly the same as a
chickadee box. The only exception is the hole diameter, which is 1/8"
larger than the chickadee box. After watching this bird, I do not see
how it can even fit into the hole let alone use the box. I currently
have the house mounted on a pole, 8 feet in the air, close to the suet.
Any info on attracting these for next year would be appreciated.

Somehow the adult starling have also figured out how to eat the suet
from an upside down position. I made a shroud to go over the basket
leaving only the bottom exposed. Does anyone know of a way to keep
starling off, but allow birds like the Downy to feed?

Thanks

Ray Congdon
Auburn, WA