There are at least three downy woodpeckers who visit regularly, two males and a female, and they tend to hog the feeder. We do occasionally see a hairy woodpecker, but not as much this year. They can hang on even when it’s quite windy, and the other small birds are not as willing to go for a wild ride. Having a longer string (encased in drinking straws) discourages most of the squirrels, but makes for a more lively feeding experience when it’s windy. The bigger birds (cardinals and blue jays) scarcely try this year with the longer tether.
