I have always admired Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens), the smallest woodpeckers in our area, because they are so energetic, hard-working, and focused. They are fun to watch as they move all around in a tree, poking and probing as they search for a tasty treat. I spotted this Downy Woodpecker, which looks to be a female because it does not have a patch of red on the back of its head, last week as I was exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I always like seeing these little guys,
They do seem quite focused. I esp. like the second shot with the grapes, nicely framed!
Thanks, Eliza. I personally like the first image a little more, because of the expression of the woodpecker, but recognize that the composition of the second shot is pretty cool.
Two lovely shots!
Very nice Mike! Woodpeckers are fun to photograph!
I really liked both your photos, and narrative, of the downy woodpecker, Mike. They are the smallest woodpecker on the continent, and I, too, like to watch them. I like to watch how they use that tail for moving around, and that first photo does a good job job of expressing it. I hope your weekend is filled with sweet moments in nature.
We always love seeing these perky little ones around the cabin and have quite missed them this year. There are no woodpeckers in New Zealand.
We also have woodpeckers in Belgium, I have heard them many times, but I have never managed to spot them.