[Douglbirds] Downy Woodpecker

[KarenSMetz at cs.com]

In a message dated 9/5/2006 10:27:23 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
birdman at birdman-inc.com writes: 
> 
> Every evening for the past month a male Downy Woodpecker has been using one
> of my Bluebird boxes in the front yard to roost in during the night.  For
> the past week or so, you can set your watch to expect him at the box between
> 7-7:10pm, make a few squawks and climb in for the night. Do you think the
> squawks are him saying "good night" to everyone?
> 
> Around 6:30AM you can see his head sticking out of the box looking around.
> He looks around for about 15 minutes then fly's out.
> 
> Fascinating!
> 
> Pat Brodbent
> Franktown 


I observed those same vocal behaviors by a female Downy for two years, 
roosting in a bluebird nest from late summer through spring.  She was usually the 
latest bird to go roost at night, and consistently the latest to emerge in the 
mornings.  (I once read an account of birds in NYC's Central Park, where 
Downies were known for "sleeping late".)  

Karen Metz
Franktown
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