[va-richmond-general] Re: Downy Woodpecker spending the winter in a Bluebird Box?
- From: "Bob" <rcs5701@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <dbryan.audubon@xxxxxxxxx>, <va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:39:09 -0500
David
I have read that some woodpeckers will use a box in the winter for
protection and warmth at night. Years ago, when I cleaned out an old box in
my father's yard, I found the remains of a Downy in the box. It may have
died during a hard winter.
I have had bluebird boxes for years, but have never seen a woodpecker using
it for shelter, but maybe I was not paying enough attention.
Bob Siegfried
From: va-richmond-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:va-richmond-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David Bryan
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 5:16 PM
To: va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [va-richmond-general] Downy Woodpecker spending the winter in a
Bluebird Box?
Hello everyone,
Hope you had a nice Saturday!
I was just wondering if anyone has ever experienced a Downy Woodpecker
apparently wintering in a Bluebird Box? About a week ago I noticed one of
our friendly neighborhood Downies peering all over a mounted Bluebird Box in
my family's backyard, sticking her head in and out and in and out. I just
thought she was investigating for possible insects in the box and while I
was entertained for a short while, I really didn't think much of it. Anyhow,
recently myself and other family members have seen the Downy in the Box in
the morning or evening right before dark. She usually is completely
concealed by the Box or has her head sticking out. Very cute! Anyhow, there
are still some nesting materials in the Box that I hadn't yet cleaned out;
since this is definitely not nesting season, is it possible she's just moved
in and made a den of sorts?
I've never seen this behavior before so I was wondering if anyone else has
had it happen(?) Right now we are just happy to have a winter tenant!
Have a wonderful weekend,
-David
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