Nancy, Brett is correct, that the red hindcrown indicates a male, regardless of the geographic sub-species. Western birds tend to be "dirtier" on the breast, not as white as the eastern birds, but this can be quite variable. The Downy you are seeing is quite normal for here.

The Flicker is no doubt, simply roosting for the night. It isn't surprizing to see birds sleeping in odd places right now with the unusual cold we are experiencing, but Flickers are cavity nesters. They will be nesting inside tree cavities later in the spring. Too early right now.

Nancy <nelrjb at comcast.net> wrote:
Hi Tweeters,
We had a Downey Woodpecker at our suet feeder the past three days. He has a red spot on the back of his head. Sibleys says this is an Adult Eastern bird.
Is this normal here?

Also, we have a female Northern Flicker that has started sitting on an abandoned robins nest in our veranda. She comes by to spend the night. I am wondering if she is just trying to keep warm, or if she would be nesting so early?

Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Nancy Lander
Renton, WA.
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Rolan Nelson
Fircrest, WA
rnbuffle at yahoo.com

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