Thanks to everyone who replied both on the list and privately to my earlier
post about a Downy Woodpecker at a hummingbird feeder. So far at least
eight people have confirmed seeing this behavior.

Apparently this behavior, while uncommon, does occur with at least
occasionally. Comments ranged from "this year is the first time ever" to
"routine". It's impossible to tell without further inquiry whether some of
the birds may have been feeding on insects. However, at least one observer
specifically noted an absence of insects at the feeder. As Bob Evans noted,
energy is energy!

By the way, I second Rebecca Hinkle's recommendation that you try to see a
woodpecker feeding up close so that you can see the bird's tongue. It's an
amazing sight.

--
Bill Heck

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