Female And Male Red-bellied Woodpecker Portraits

Today, I am sharing a few of the Red-bellied Woodpecker portraits I’ve taken in my friend and fellow photographer Steve Creek’s amazing birdy yard in Arkansas.

Female Red-bellied Woodpecker portrait in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I’m starting with the female Red-bellied Woodpecker because I can and because I want to. I haven’t seen the female woodpeckers coming in to the suet feeder as often as the males; they could already be incubating eggs. I’m not really sure.

I believe the female Red-bellied Woodpeckers are just as stunning as the males. You can disagree with me if you like, but I won’t change my mind about that.

Adult male Red-bellied Woodpecker portrait – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 5000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The male Red-bellied Woodpeckers are striking, handsome birds. With their neon orange-red heads, plus the black and white feathers on their wings and backs, they are hard to ignore.

Male Red-bellied Woodpecker close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 1000, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The Red-bellied Woodpeckers that come to Steve’s suet feeder are close to where I sit on his deck, and they are very cooperative. If I took off my 1.4x teleconverter, I might be able to get their whole bodies in the frame. The portraits aren’t cropped by much at all, though. Full-body shots might be a bit tight.

Red-bellied Woodpecker male portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I am thoroughly enjoying having these Red-bellied Woodpeckers in my viewfinder, listening to their calls, and watching their behaviors. I’m very fond of woodpeckers, as I’m sure you all can tell!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-bellied Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.