Downy Woodpeckers and Homemade Bird Cakes

I have heard of Hummingbirds buzzing the small red patch of feathers on the nape of the Downy Woodpecker mistaking it for a flower. I have yet to wittness this action...but would that not be a cool sight to see?

Downies and their larger (idential) cousin the Hairy Woodpeckers both enoy suet feeders and black oil sunflower seeds. So watch for them at both feeders. 

Try making your own "bird cakes" instead of buying them at stores. They are made with very questionalable stuff.  

Here is my reciple that I have tested for our local birds for the last 10 years. I promise that your birds will prefer this cake over any store brought suet cake!

 http://jean-livingsimple.blogspot.com/2011/03/jeans-bird-cakes-recipe.html

Hoping to get a photo of a Hummer buzzing the nape of the male Downy. Hmmm...patience, Jean, patience.:)

Jean is a host on Birds & Blooms Magazine’s Community Forums and is the lone, bird crazy author of the blog The Joy of Bird Watching and Living a Simple Life.

Good Birding to ALL!