This male black backed woodpecker was photographed a few winters back in a spruce bog in northern Minnesota. The tree that the bird is on has been "flaked". The black backed woodpeckers will peel off the bark to expose larvae in the camber under the bark. This is a handy way to find this species, as the most recent activity will leave the tree trunks looking very rusty, the color of which fades after a year or so. Also, in the winter, piles of freshly flaked bark will be at the base of the tree, lying on top of the snow cover. SonyA300, Sigma50/500, iso400, f10, 1/640, cropped, adjusted contrast and saturation, USM. Comments and critiques welcome.
Regards,
Shawn Zierman
Hi Shawn, Great image! I like the claws gripping the bark and the beak with dinner/bark on the tip... Tells the story nicely. Lots of detail although the head crown looks a bit blocked.. DON
Hi Shawn, interesting story. Excellent exposure on the woodpecker, and we have a good view of the feet/claws holding onto the tree trunk. Ive never seen these guys before, but somehow he looks like a juvi to me.
Black Backed Woodpecker
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