Downy Woodpecker - Yard Bird # 9

A busy day, so I am kind of phoning it in.  On just about any day of the year, I can see several (up to half a dozen) of these diminutive little Downy Woodpeckers around our yard.  They are small, only about 6-7 inches long, and extremely tolerant of humans.  I've had them land on my arms and hands when I've been out refilling feeders if I am not doing things quickly enough to suit them.  And last summer, a youngster landed on my head, much to the surprise of both of us.  I can tell with you a high degree of authority that their little toenails are very sharp and grippy.

For comparison purposes, you can have a look at the larger (and less frequently seen) Hairy Woodpecker on my Jan 2 blip.  You can see in looking at the two photos (both females) how much longer the Hairy WP's beak is in contrast to the downy wp.  

If you want to see a rather cute White-breasted Nuthatch, click HERE

Hubs and I ran a bunch of errands today and treated ourselves to lunch before heading back home.  Now getting ready to start a fire because...baby, it's COLD outside!  I'll pack tonight and leave for the airport around 8 tomorrow morning.  I've got a connection in Chicago, but it looks like it's going to be good weather all the way and I should arrive in Tucson late afternoon.  

Hope you're all having a great weekend!

xo,
Debbi