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Project Noah Nature School
Picoides pubescens
When I was out yesterday evening to photograph insects at night, I went to a shrub near a bluebird box, which I thought was empty. Turns out this little one is using it as a night shelter! I think it may be a chipping sparrow but am really not sure without seeing the whole bird.
My backyard
Update: added two photos. This bird is coming back to the box each evening and apparently finds it a good resting spot for the night!
Wow, Gordon and Liam - you guys are good - thanks! Yesterday evening the bird bobbed its head up and down and I saw it better, including the red on the head so it is a male. Added a couple photos from last night.
I would have never thought of a downy. Tonight I'm going to keep an eye out and see if I happen to see the bird return; will let you know!
I don't think this is a chipping sparrow; it looks a bit too robust and not quite as delicate as a chipper. Any chance it could be a downy woodpecker? The tip of the bill looks blunt and a woodpecker's bill is blunt/chisel-shaped, so it won't stick in wood when the bird is hammering. An interesting spotting and an interesting ID challenge! I'll be curious as to what others think.
Spotted on Aug 28, 2012
Submitted on Aug 29, 2012
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