Is that woodpecker sleeping on my feeder?

Unknown Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I watched a Downy Woodpecker yesterday freeze in position against the feeder for several minutes. I'm wondering if it was snoozing? It was a most interesting behavior.

Did the feeding station suddenly go quiet? Was there any other activity at the feeders? If the downy saw a hawk it may have decided to remain completely still instead of taking its chances by flying away from a predator.

Yesterday I spotted a Cooper's Hawk as it swooped down and perched on a high tree branch. Birds scattered everywhere except for one Downy Woodpecker that froze in position against the feeder. I was amazed at how long this woodpecker remained completely still. When the hawk flew to another tree, the downy quickly shifted positions to the other side of the feeder. After about ten minutes the hawk flew away and the downy became animated again, the winner of a life or death game of hide and seek.
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