[va-bird] Backyard Birding Delights



Two days ago,  before the start of Christmas eve snowfall, I witnessed in
my backyard (located in west central Arlington)  what I beleive was a
first for my location.   Five species of woodpeckers (Pileated, No.
Flicker, Red Bellied, Hairy and Downy)  a total of six individuals (2
downies)  feeding simultaneously.   It was quite exciting and satisfying.
  Over about a 20 minute period pairs of all five species showed up. 
This was, I know, a first for any day since I started feeding 8 or 9
years ago.    
This morning an equally exciting though very different show!   The pair
of pileateds being chased and harassed continually by a Coopers for a
least 20 minutes.   All of the action taking place in Bon Air Park
directly behind my house and most in clear view.   The Pileateds did not
appear to be trying to escape the hawk.  In fact, I got the impression
that once the hawk started attacking (or just harassing?) the woodpeckers
felt they were more secure just maintaining their position on one of the
large trees they were in.   At one point the hawk flew tight circles (3'
dia.) around one of the perched pileateds.   Its attacks were usually
very brief, then it would land 10 to 30 ft. away, rest a bit,  then
return to the first bird or fly off after the other which was usully at
some distance.  I did not see the hawk fly off, but some time later a few
small birds hesitantly began to return to the yard they had been absent
from most of the morning.

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