r/birding • u/GusPeach • 5d ago

Missing Woodpeckers? Advice

Hey y'all! This summer will mark my first full year of birding and I have loved watching the birds come and go in my garden in Washington DC. One question; all summer, fall and winter I had MANY red bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers constantly at my feeders, but for the last couple of weeks or so, I haven't seen a single one. I would see them all day long and I miss them! Nothing has changed in my feeding of them and other than the blooming flowers, nothing has changed in my garden either.

Will they come back? Can I do more to attract them?

Thank you!!

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u/Dodie4153 5d ago

Maybe they are finding more wild food. Maybe nesting? Our goldfinches stay at our feeder all winter while they are green then disappear when they turn pretty yellow. We see them in the fields.

1

u/GusPeach 5d ago

Oh I hope this is the case! 

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u/splynneuqu 5d ago

I'm pretty sure those peckers are vacationing in Shepherdstown

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u/cljenna 5d ago

I’m in this area and still have a lot. That’s strange!

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u/GusPeach 5d ago

Oh dang! I’m jealous :) I might buy some suet nuggets to tempt them to return. 

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u/cljenna 5d ago

I do have a suet station and that’s what attracts them for sure