It is hard to believe that there could possibly be any insects or other nourishment in the dried-up reeds and cattails, but this male Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) was feverishly pecking away this past Monday at Huntley Meadows Park. He was extremely focused and persistent—I hope that his efforts were eventually rewarded.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Another beautiful image!
Thanks, Allen.
Another nice shot! Yeah, I’m surprised the reeds would be of much interest to him too.
Thanks. I don’t know if there are insect larvae inside the reeds or some other food source. I figure the birds know what they are doing and don’t waste too much energy, especially in winter, when food is harder to get.
Yeah, definitely.