It was a delight to first hear and then finally spot a Downy Woodpecker, tapping away on dried marsh reeds, going from one to another. Trying to get a shot in the reeds was hard, I got one decent to show the behavior.
.
Downy Woodpecker (male)
.
This adorable fella eventually moved to a tree trunk for easier shots, much to my delight!
.
Downy Woodpecker (male identified by red nape that the female lacks)
.
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America at 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm).
.
Downy Woodpecker (male)
.
Downy Woodpecker (male) back to tapping for insects
.
He was so adorably cute, and I felt even luckier with the added bonus of autumn colors around him. 😊
(photos taken 10/28/21 at the end of Tubby Cove Boardwalk, Eastern Neck NWR)
