Woodpeckers are known for having incredible climbing ability. They zip around in the trees as if gravity doesn’t even exist for them. Although all woodpeckers climb well, the little downy woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) are exceptionally agile and very fast. This male silently flew in just above my head and had I not caught a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye I might not have seen him at all. He then quickly started climbing the trunk faster than I could focus the camera. Had he not stopped to go after something under the bark, I probably would have missed him altogether. Luckily, he stayed put for several seconds before starting his climb again. I find these guys exceptionally hard to get good shots of since they are so speedy and so active. It was really amazing to see this one so close and to have him look over his shoulder at me before he hustled on up the tree.