Syd Richards, a Columbus area resident, reports that a female Downy
Woodpecker has been visiting -- and apparently feeding at -- her
hummingbird feeder regularly for a couple of weeks. I've seen a picture of
the bird sitting on a perch at the feeder and it certainly appears to be
feeding somewhat like a hummer.

My first thought was that this bird was feeding on insects rather than
nectar (sugar water). However, Syd reports that there are no ants on the
feeder (not preferred woodpecker food anyway) and there do not seem to be
significant numbers of other insects there.

Has anyone else run across this behavior? It's a new one for me!

Thanks,

--
Bill Heck

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