March 2, 2010

Cindy's Nature Sketchbook: Downy Woodpecker

A pair of Downy Woodpeckers began to appear at the suet feeder. I captured a few photos before they flew off. I've since learned that the male has the red mark on the back of the head. I haven't been able to capture a photo of the female...she was a bit more cautious :-) but, a very pretty bird as well! Oh, before I decided it was a Downy, I did some arm chair study, Googled several sites, and conferred with my husband. We decided they were a pair of Downys. The Hairy Woodpecker has similar looks except for a longer beak and larger size.
Regarding the sketch, I sketched using a graphite #2 pencil. I used the photo below as my reference. After completing the sketch, I colored it in with watercolor pencils.

photo by cindyzlogic