Birdland
Downy Woodpeckers are like miniature versions of their bigger cousin, the Hairy Woodpecker, and other members of the family. These checkered black and white birds are little acrobats, clinging to branches and twigs, and balancing on slender plants and shrubs. They can be seen munching on sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, and chunky peanut butter from backyard feeders. Downy Woodpeckers make lots of noise, both with a shrill whinnying call and by drumming on trees. This male Downy Woodpecker, identified as such by the small red patch on the back of his head, was photographed at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein.