We are going to have a Downy Woodpecker family!
Cleon and I were sitting on our patio – sprawled out in our Adirondack chairs after working in our yard
and gardens. This patio is on the side of the house and some distance from the feeders, but the edge of trees along this part of the lake is a haven for birds – particularly Song Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows which are often singing from the two tall, narrow willow trees. Blue Jays are often in the oaks and robins in the hackberry. But this day it was Downy Woodpeckers. A male and a female fluttering and chasing each other all through the branches of the willows. They looked like they were having a lot of fun So graceful. Buoyant. So alternately riveted on each other, then ignoring each other. Well, she was ignoring him – he never took his eyes off her. And she led him on a merry dance all around and through those 
branches. And all the time, they were softly calling to each other. My guess is they will soon excavate a nice hole and she will set up housekeeping. And sometime in early summer, we may all be lucky enough to see some juvenile woodpeckers at the feeders! They will look like their parents, but will be all messy. They will be hounding their parents for food and calling loudly. And remember, the male has a small red cap on the back of his head, the female has no cap at all, and the juvenile will have a raggedy looking red patch between its eyes. Be sure to watch for them! And of course, I know all of you reading this join with Cleon and I that they have a successful nesting season and their youngsters grow into fine adult Downys!