Downy Woodpecker

[Ryan Schain]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4323205992_46c32643fa_o.jpg

One of the most interesting aspects of Downy Woodpecker behavior is their propensity to eat the insect larvae out of phrag (phragmite) stalks. I've never seen any other species of woodpecker do this.

Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L IS

1/800
f/6.3
400 mm
ISO 400
+2/3 EV

[Daniel Cadieux]

Perhaps its small size and weight (compared to other woodpeckers) that has permitted the Downy to adapt to this type feeding behaviour?

I like the vertical comp. Would you have been able to move right for better light angle? It's not too bad as is, just some shadows on left edges of subject and perch created by light coming from the right. BG is a bit distracting with the light spots throughout.

Just enough of HA to show some red from this male's head!

[Randy Stout]

Ryan:

Daniel makes good points. I do like the feet curled around the stalk. The colors in the BG are nice, just tone them down, and I think the bird will pop nicely.

Randy