Earlier this month, I had the good fortune to photograph a Red-bellied Woodpecker nest. Just as fun as photographing was witnessing the various behaviors. This fledgling's tummy did NOT like these berries. In the course of two hours, hes spit up 3 of these berries which he had been fed by the parents. Up to a half an hour after the feeding, he would regurgitate the berry, toss it and watch it fall to the ground. One of the other amazing things I learned was that as they got older, they clean up and toss out their own fecal sacs. How is it so much harder to train our children?
These fledglings were only visible at the nest cavity for 4-1/2 days but they taught me a lot and made me smile. When their talons are visible on the edge of the cavity, such as in this capture, you know they are close to fledging. Two mornings later, just after sunrise, I had the good fortune to watch the second one fledge. Alas, I did not have my finger on the trigger. :( You just never know when they are going to leap out...and this one took me by surprise. Later, each adult came in with food and seemed somewhat baffled that there were no young to accept the offerings.
Canon 1D3, Canon 500L
F14, 1/640sec, ISO 640, fill flash
Feisol tripod, Jobu head
Great story attached to this image. One of my favorite Woodpeckers. Like this shot very much. Might suggest toning down the tree bark a bit and perhaps cropping some off the left to make more of a true vertical. Light seems a bit harsh but handled well.
Excellent behavior shot.
The light was quite harsh unfortunately but exposure and flash use look good.
The view of the tongue is really impressive- I can see muscle transitioning to the hard tip. Very cool,
Gail
Great story Marina and a nice shot to go with it. I like the details on the bird and would only wish for a bigger more diffuse catchlight in the eye to give it a bit more life!
Fantastic moment captured here, Marina, and such interesting biology you relate to go with it. I feel like I learned a lot just from your description. Exceelent job at freezing the action here, a true storytelling moment.
UPCHUCK!
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