When I photographed this immature Downy Woodpecker yesterday in my friend Steve’s yard I didn’t think I’d get two photos with its tongue sticking out. But I did!
Downy Woodpecker with tongue sticking out – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 4000, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500m, natural light, at a feeder
This first photo shows the Downy Woodpecker gripping the driftwood suet feeder with its strong feet and sticking its tongue out. Some of the other birds that are attracted to the suet feeder can’t get as good a grip on the smoothed out driftwood that the woodpeckers and nuthatches can. This young Downy Woodpecker had no trouble getting suet from the feeder or giving us the raspberry out while it was perched.
Downy Woodpecker in Arkansas – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 5000, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500m, natural light, at a feeder
The light wasn’t the best when I took these photos but sometimes I know I have to take the shot when the subject is in front of me. I’m glad I took these photos to add to my Downy Woodpecker gallery.
I have SO much more to share from my visit here. Snails, rabbits, skinks, raccoons, butterflies, and many more birds. In due time, I hope to share them all from Oklahoma and Arkansas. There have been lots of happy dances since I arrived to visit my friend Steve.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Downy Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love these shots! Color, composition and, of course, the detail I love so much in your photos. All there. All perfect. Thanks Mia.
BTW – someday I hope you’ll post a video of your happy dance. I want my kids to see what it looks like to truly love what you do.
So glad you are finding joy and delight, Mia. 💜
Beautiful images. I love having them in my yard too. Sounds like the photo ops are richer in Oklahoma and Arkansas than Utah.
In the second shot it almost looks as if he is standing on someone’s thumb.
I do understand your happy dances.