Taken For Granted

Now and then I realize that I regularly "fast forward" over Downy Woodpeckers. When scanning feeders, I too often take one glance at one of these little ones and move on to the more interesting birds: warblers or bluebirds or whatever. And that's doing an enormous disservice to the Downys. So let me make an effort to sing their praises. For one, they are entertaining to watch when given half a chance. They never seem to attack suet the same way twice... clawing for some new odd posture... seeking some angle only important to them. They do have the most fascinating little face, with whiskery feathers around the bill and a surprisingly sharp expression, as if to say "yeah, what's it to you?" And most of all, they visit a lot, like regular friends. So my little buddies, forgive me that I take you for granted. I'll do better: I promise.