Downy Woodpecker HY captured by Z 9 / Z600f4TC
First, the parents come back. You can tell they are the parents as their feathers are severly warn and stained. Within a day, normally, you see fresh looking and you know those are the kids. The kids for the first month are very entertaining as they chase the parents around to be fed. Then they strike out on their own like the male Downy, where the whole world is bright and new. I was in the hide when it came in. It first landed on top of the hide. Then, within a few moment flew over to where you see it here. There it sat for the longest time as other woodpeckers fed at the feeders. Finally, it was its turn. So much fun to watch and photograph. Nice to have them back.