This image was captured a couple of weeks ago in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I used a Nikkor 200-400VR and a 1.4TC. Handheld at ISO 3600. C&C appreciated. Thanks for looking. NIKON D3
1/1250s f/6.3 at 550.0mm iso3600
Great shot of a neat woodpecker, Hugh. I just located one of these a block or two from my house and after seeing your image I've got to try and get a few myself. I do see the spot that Maxis mentions - it'd be easy to eliminate.
I have noticed warm light to be less conductive to noise than flat light.
No scientific base to that, just observation since I like to max the ISO in my cameras.
The D3 is unbelievable, enjoy it in good health :)
Classic pose and very nice clean detail for ISO 3600; not sure I wouldn't have dropped the SS for lower ISO though, even on this great machine. In a perfect world I would wish for the OOF background to have a color that contrasts the red in the sapsucker rather than being of the same palette, it would set off the subject much better. That said, this is a fine image.