[obol] Downy clings...

[Jim Moodie]

I've seen Downy WPs working on mullein stalks (flowers) in the fall, but
then those stalks must be at least 1/2" in diameter.

Cheers,
Jim


Dr. Jim Moodie
Dept of Science
COCC

-----Original Message-----
From: obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu
[mailto:obol-bounces at lists.oregonstate.edu] On Behalf Of Jason Randolph
(Conservation For The Oregon Coast)
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 9:04 AM
To: Obol
Subject: [obol] Downy clings...

Hola all... I am feeling quite ill today and stayed home from work. As I
passed a window I caught a glimpse of something moving. I stopped, gazed
and discovered a male DOWNY WOODPECKER clinging to a small willow shoot
no more than 1/4 inch in diameter. I actually watched him work many of
the same sized shoots, all just a few feet from the ground.

I have never seen a Downy on such objects. Is this a fairly normal
behavior? In the process of climbing the shoots, his weight would bend
the shoot, causing him to go backwards, at which time he would fly to
another.

Anyhow, thanks for the responses...

Jason in Charleston