Owl and Woodpecker Sighting

Owls and Woodpeckers have been spotted several times this week (early November). The owl was more patient than the woodpecker to have its photo taken. I wonder if there’s a reason for the increased sightings of these birds during this time of year?

I couldn’t get close enough to the woodpeckers to get an accurate photo. It was either a Hairy woodpecker or Downy woodpecker. Can you tell the difference?