Hi David,



This probably isn't a usual food source (red hot poker that is), but Downies
do have a sweet beak. They are one of the few U.S. woodpeckers (besides
sapsuckers) that will excavate sapwells to feed on sap. The other being the
White-headed Woodpecker which mines sap in ponderosa pine trees, American
three-toed Woodpecker, and Acorn Woodpeckers which feed on sap mostly south
of the U.S. Downies are also one of the few woodpeckers (aside from Acorn)
that will frequent Hummingbird feeders.



This little guy probably stumbled upon or saw the nectar dripping from the
flowers and decided to partake. Great photo too!



If you are interested in learning more about sap feeding in White-headed
Woodpeckers, I have attached a link to a paper I had published as part of my
research. The paper investigates characteristics of trees used by
White-headed Woodpeckers for sap feeding and discusses a little bit about
sap feeding in other North American Picoides woodpeckers.



http://yakamafish-nsn.gov/sites/default/files/projects/nwn_Kozma_91_2010.pdf



Jeff Kozma



Yakima



J c r underscore 5105 at charter dot net



From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of D. Gluckman
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2014 10:11 AM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] Downy Woodpecker on Poker



At this time of year for the last two years I've set up my portable bird
blind in the garden behind our house in Port Townsend specifically to
photograph hummingbirds, usually with unexpected results. This year was no
exception. If you're interested, check out the male Downy. Is this a usual
food source?



https://www.flickr.com/photos/125370117 at N08/



David Gluckman
Pt. Townsend, WA
David 360.531.3325 Casey 360.531.3359