August 7, 2025
I used to have visits from red-bellied woodpeckers several times a day. I always love seeing the red-headed birds. They are bigger than the downy woodpeckers that also visit. The RBs have longer beaks, too. I think that's why I like them. When they turn their heads to scan the area, their beaks look like mini swords ready to dig into a tree.
Around the time the red-bellied woodpeckers stopped coming around, a bunch of starlings and grackles arrived. They swarm the suet feeder and eat everything they can. They are joined by many finches and sparrows who also battle to eat. I suspect all these birds aggravate the red-bellied woodpeckers who get tired of pecking at them while enjoying suet and peanuts.
I have read that an upside-down feeder is useful in these situations because woodpeckers and other birds can feed upside-down, while the starlings and grackles can't.
I altered the environment somewhat. This could also be a reason for the RBs visiting less. I moved my feeder away from my window and closer to a tree. Could that have made a difference?
Leaf coverage might be another factor. Maybe the red-bellied woodpeckers are using a tree near the feeder to rest and hide before eating some suet and peanuts before flying back to the forest.
I will observe and watch after installing the upside-down feeder. I will set up a camera when I set up the upside-down feeder to keep an eye on the feeding activity.
I find the fun isn't necessarily having everything be routine. It is noticing when things are changing and figuring out why that keep life interesting.
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