[Birdtalk] Downey Woodpeckerzzz

[John Morgan]

Hi. Long time, no posts. :) No kewl bird sightings lately. Well, other than some closeup Ospreys on our Jackson/Yellowstone trip over Memorial Day and a Lazuli Bunting at my daughter's house in Lehi....another surprise sighting.

Yesterday just 30' out the door of my building at SLCC a bird surprised me, swooping 4' in front of me and landing at eye level, exposed, on the trunk of a Locust tree just 10' away. Wow! NEVER in 20 years have I seen Downey Woodpeckers (there were 3 flitting about) on that campus! Their actions and patterns, and lack of any red on their head would indicate juveniles? Fearless, small, with white patch on back, white tummys. Making a lot of noise. Had to be Downeys.

These same trees, located just out the SE door of the Admin Building on the Redwood Campus are where I've seen flocks of Cedar Waxwings. Could it be said these particular trees seem to be rest stops for migratory birds? I just don't get it though. Downeys wouldn't be migrating anywhere this time of year, particularly if young. Locals perhaps?

Didn't know there were many Downey Woodpeckers among us on the valley floor! Cool. Am I accurate in assuming juveniles? Do the ladies have the red?
John
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