Male Downy Woodpecker clinging to a chokecherry tree – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While photographing an American Goldfinch yesterday I noticed a flash of black and white as a bird flew into a nearby chokecherry tree and when I moved my lens and focused on it I was pleased to see that it was a male Downy Woodpecker. For a bit the woodpecker was hidden behind the leaves of the chokecherry so I continued photographing the goldfinch while keeping an eye on the woodpecker.
When I noticed the Downy Woodpecker moving towards the front part of the tree I changed my focus to it and waited to see if he would come out into the open and when he did I was ready to takes images of him. This is my favorite from the series because of the clear view of the entire Downy.
Downy Woodpecker male foraging in a chokecherry – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But I liked the peek-a-boo look I seemed to be getting from the Downy Woodpecker in this frame along with how the woodpecker was framed by the chokecherry tree.
I believe the black growth and the rusty area of the branch near the woodpecker’s face is caused by Black Knot, a fungal disease, the rusty-colored area at the bottom of the poopy looking section of the branch would be the spores.
Male Downy Woodpecker in a chokecherry – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Finally, I like the pose of the Downy, the light and the composition but I really wish that the out of focus leaf wasn’t blocking a clear view of the top of the bird’s head. The thing is that my subjects are wild, free roaming birds in natural settings so there are times when I am not going to have everything go my way, lots of times. That’s just the way it is.
Last week while I wasn’t paying attention I passed the 3000 post mark here at On The Wing Photography, today’s post is post #3008 (3,008 Days = 8 Years, 2 Months, 3 Weeks, 6 Days).
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Downy Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shots. I like the red patch on the head. Interesting narrative also.
Great series of pics and a fascinating study. Thanks Mia.
I hope my drumming of 12 release Downey’s taps along for many more years. They have been delightful to watch.
Huge thanks for your dedication on posting.
And for the beauties you share.
Very nice!!! Congrats!
I’ll echo Dick and Liz. Love the habitat shots and Mazal Tov on 3000 (and 8). 😄
Great shots! Congratulations on #3000….+8.
Great shot, Mia habitat shots are the best in my mind!