23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
The Forest Drummer

A quiet moment along the trail at the Rocky River Nature Center led to this small but energetic visitor perched on a branch with a seed held carefully in its beak. The Downy Woodpecker may be one of the smallest woodpeckers in the forest but it brings a big presence with its bright colors quick movements and gentle tapping that echoes through the trees. Moments like this remind me how alive the woods really are.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: North Olmsted, Ohio, United States of America
Camera: COOLPIX P1000
Copyright: © Andrew Sykaluk