George Cottay
01-15-2011, 09:51 PM
This Acorn Woodpecker also seems to favor pecans. He grabbed this one from a tree at the front of Paton's house, flew right over this shooters head, and perched in nearby tree. After knocking the pecan on the tree a few times times he took off into the woods. I'd like to have seen him seriously work on it.
Many veteran birders know this spot.
Years ago Wally and Marion Paton opened up their backyard just outsidePatagonia, Arizona to birders from around the world. As word spread of this hot spot adjacent to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve it was visited by thousands annually. With the passing of Wally in June of 2001 and Marion in August of 2009, the yard remains open under the care to the Tucson Audubon Society. Birders have noted an extensive list of rare birds sighted here with a record maintained on site.
This was our first trip to the Paton House. We will be back for both the birds and birders. It's great fun to hear the experienced hands quietly work out the fine points of identification and recall other sightings old and new.
With some deep late afternoon shadows I was using fill flash. That seems to have both helped and hurt this picture. I wanted a better angle but the bird was not in a mood for much cooperation.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5359047186_5fb2a9f707_o.jpg
Canon 7D, 280mm, f/9, 1/160, ISO 200
Many veteran birders know this spot.
Years ago Wally and Marion Paton opened up their backyard just outsidePatagonia, Arizona to birders from around the world. As word spread of this hot spot adjacent to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve it was visited by thousands annually. With the passing of Wally in June of 2001 and Marion in August of 2009, the yard remains open under the care to the Tucson Audubon Society. Birders have noted an extensive list of rare birds sighted here with a record maintained on site.
This was our first trip to the Paton House. We will be back for both the birds and birders. It's great fun to hear the experienced hands quietly work out the fine points of identification and recall other sightings old and new.
With some deep late afternoon shadows I was using fill flash. That seems to have both helped and hurt this picture. I wanted a better angle but the bird was not in a mood for much cooperation.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5359047186_5fb2a9f707_o.jpg
Canon 7D, 280mm, f/9, 1/160, ISO 200