Woodpecker on our hummingbird feeder (Jefferson)

[W. Robert Shade III]

We seldom see woodpeckers in our yard let alone on our hummingbird feeder! I was thinking, "What is this bird thinking?" then I realized that woodpeckers have long tongues and could lap up the sugar water that way.  My first impression was "Hairy" but did not get the binocs on the backlighted bird and now wonder if it was a sapsucker. Anyone else seen the like?

Bob Shade

Lakewood

[piny...@gmail.com]

When we first moved to Tucson (after many years in Colorado), we were surprised to see Gila woodpeckers slurping down all of our hummingbird feeders.   They are quite fun to watch, but they made a pretty big mess, as they'd cause the feeders to swing and spill much of the sugar water.    We finally switched to mostly smaller feeders with little or no perch, and they no longer visit those.   To atone for our selfishness, we now put out cut oranges for them. 

Jim and Rosie Watts

Tucson, Arizona

[Tim Johnson]

Yes, we regularly get a Hairy Woodpecker on our hummingbird feeder in Allenspark. He cannot decide if he likes sunflower seeds or nectar better! Candice Johnson, Denver