This male downy woodpecker was found recently in Ely Township by photographer Victoria Frailing of Ishpeming. The Mining Journal is accepting original local photo submissions from area residents who ...

Check out more woodpecker species birders should know. Males and females can be told apart by a red marking on the back of the male’s head. Downy woodpeckers form pairs very early in the season.

Male has a small red patch on the back of his head. Bill is small, barely extending beyond the tufts of feathers at its base. Two common calls, a “pick” and a “rattle.” The Downy Woodpecker says “pick ...