This woodpecker was a photographic lifer for me.
I should define how I use the term “lifer”. For most birders a lifer is their first positive ID of a species. But I’m not really a birder in the classic sense since I don’t keep lists, so for me a lifer is the first time I get a photograph of a species that is worth keeping.
1/160, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this woodpecker on a camping/photo trip to the Uinta Mountains in July of 2010. These sapsuckers typically feed at sap wells but they also take arthropod prey, especially when feeding young. The bird worked hard at extracting this large, winged insect from within the stump and I was able to get several sharp photos as it did so but this one shows the insect best.
This is a fairly large crop but considering that fact I was still pleased with the image quality, especially at only 1/160 sec – a shutter speed almost unheard of for me.
I awoke this morning to howling winds and another incoming storm and the forecast is bleak for photography for many days. That thought was a bit (a lot!) depressing so I decided to go back into my archives and post a “greener, warmer” image – just for the memories…
Ron
Great shot! This is one of my favorite birds. I’ve only seen one, who was hanging around out at Hueco Tanks one day, while we were leading a tour. I got some distance shots at first, but when we later came back through the area, the bird was down at a level where even my point and shoot could get some good shots. No insect for that one; I really think it was showing off for us. I’m really glad you got to see one.
The colour sure surprised me from what I usually see on Antelope Island. This would be a “lifer” for me as well.
Beautiful shot, background and all. You will have to forgive me, I think I sent you the howling winds. That’s what we had all day yesterday, and pouring rain.
Thanks a lot, Jean! It’s still blowing, though not as hard.
Gorgous capture. I am (selfishly) a bit grateful for the vile weather which sent you archive diving. Thank you.
“Archive diving” – I like that, Elephant’s Child. With this weather I’ll probably have to do it again soon.
We’re expecting another storm starting tomorrow, snowing into at least the next day…so really welcomed this wonderful image of bird, prey, old weathered wood against a sunny-green light-dappled background…there is hope!
Thank you, Patty – yes there is hope, hopefully…
Very nice Ron. Snowing, blowing & -16 here today. I would love to be at that nice green campsite right now enjoying that Sapsucker!
Brrrr, Deb – that’s just too cold for March.
Great shot, I’ve never seen that bird-Thanks ! Good luck with the storm, looks like it’s headed our way here in Maryland…
Thanks, Bill. You should hear the wind howling outside right now. If that’s any indicator we’re both in for it!
Lovely – I can almost smell the pine!
“I can almost smell the pine!”
Funny, While I was processing the photo I thought I could smell it too, Alison. That smell was pervasive at this remote campsite and I loved it!
Thanks for the memories!! Great shot Ron, love it. Many thanks for sharing!!
Thank you, Dick.