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Odd woodpecker behavior

15 years ago

I put my suet feeder backup recently after I modify it by tying it to a Y shape wood that I got from my neighbor after he trimmed his tree. The idea is that woodpeckers like having a tail support and this adds one.

After I put it up, the woodpeckers started coming. I looked out today and notice a female Downy just hanging out on the feeder. She wasn't eating anything, but just hanging off the feeder (though I have seen her eat it throughout the day). Since the feeder is far less table than a tree trunk, why would the woodpecker do that?

Paul

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Comments (2)

tzmd
15 years ago
The downy's in my yard (other birds as well) will completely freeze on my feeders if they suspect there is danger in the area (aka hawk)... then again, she could have just been resting. Did you notice her preening herself?

Theresa.
paulsiu
Original Author
15 years ago
Nope, just hanging there. Don't think it's a hawk, other birds and coming and going to th sunflower feeder next to it. She was most likely resting, but it's a weird place to rest since it's swaying in the wind.

May be she gorge herself on the suet and is taking a lunch break :-). She goes to the suet a lot.

Paul
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