Hairy Woodpecker Pays a Visit

We have a number of regular visitors to our feeders--cardinals and chickadees, downy and red-bellied woodpeckers, titmice, nuthatches, doves and jays.  A somewhat less common visitor is the Hairy Woodpecker.  

Very similar in appearance to the downy, the hairy is larger (about 2.5 inches longer) and more boldly marked.  I like to say the downy looks like an un-made bed, at least compared to the hairy.

While the downy is seemingly fearless (I had one eat seeds from my hand a few weeks ago at a local park) the hairy is much more cautious and skittish.  This handsome fellow hopped around the cherry tree outside the studio for several minutes before approaching the feeders.

Finally he flew up to the post and snacked on some suet.  Click on this image to see the subtle color and detail around this fellow's beak.

Pretty bird!