Many thanks to all who responded to my notice about theRed-headed Woodpecker that came to my feeder on Thursday. 
 
After a Friday morning with no sign of the bird, I was happyto see it return in the afternoon and feed heartily for several hours. 
 
Late in the afternoon I looked up from my work and saw alargish bird drop into the snow. A few seconds later, it and another bird flewup; the smaller bird showing black and large flashes of white. The larger birdwas a Sharp-shinned Hawk and the smaller one was the woodpecker. 
 
The woodpecker took off in panic mode, with the sharpie inclose pursuit. As the woodpecker changed course, veering and weaving its waythrough the trees, the sharpie stayed lock-step with its prey. Then, thewoodpecker did an acute turn to the right and the sharpie broke off.  
 
From what I understand, though, sharpies can be persistent.I saw neither bird again, but it could be that more pursuit was in store. Thearea where I saw the birds drop showed no sign of struggle or blood. 
 
Here on Saturday, I’ve resumed my vigil, waiting for thewoodpecker to return, but understanding that even if he made it our alive he’dhave good reason not to show up here again. 
 
I know that the hawks have to eat too, but I’d like topropose to the birds of prey that they start with these species:
 
European Starlings
House Sparrows
White-throated Sparrows (plenty in winter)
Rock Pigeons (although these birds are rare in Charles Co.,I’m willing to add them high on the list)
 
When you've eaten your fill, dear hawks, then---and only then---go after more exotic birds, like thefabulous woodpecker that graced our yard for a few days. 
 
=================
Fred Burggraf
Dentsville, MD
Charles Co.