Agree with the others that the Downy is as it should be. In early summer, some of the young male Hairy and Downey Woodpeckers have the red spot on the top of the head. The first time we saw one, we thought it was a new bird. Got all excited until we checked our books. One has a picture of a mother feeding the young male with his head sticking out of the hole. The red spot is on top. It is also mentioned in the description of a juvenile male. We have seen them both ways. The ones we see now have morphed and the spot is in the back.

Bob Meyer
Renton, WA
----- Original Message -----
From: Nancy
To: Tweets
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 12:15 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] 2 questions


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.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------


_______________________________________________
Tweeters mailing list
Tweeters at u.washington.edu
http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters