Red Bellied Woodpecker

[Mike Lentz]

Another image from the backyard setup. Taken on a slightly overcast day sitting in a blind drinking some java.
It was kinda wierd, this RBWP pair would come to my log and hammer away at the suet and seed that I have on the backside and then when I started clicking away they would freeze and pose for me, almost like they were trying to figure out what the shutter sound was.



Nikon D300 ~ Nikkor 300mm F/2.8 with Nikon 1.4x TC on tripod
ISO 800 ~ F/6.3 ~ 1/400 sec ~ Fill flash at - 1 2/3

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Mike...really liked the exposure on the bird. Am a little surprised that there is no catch-light. I find it a little too tight....but otherwise an excellent comp. Open beak a plus. Perfect woodpecker pose.

[Aidan Briggs]

I sure wish we had these guys around here. Ilove the open beak, soft light and perfect exposure. I agree with Kaustubh on all counts. I find it odd that the bark is sharp near the bottom of the frame, but soft near the top.

Looking forward to more!

[Peter Farrell]

Beautiful image of one of my favorites. I have found the same behavior (posing at the camera clicks) with Red-bellies near me.
Peter

[Daniel Cadieux]

I agree its rather tight in the frame, but good pose and exposure. The face could use a tiny bit more sharpening for web presentation. The open bill is a plus. I too have seen this "freezing with the shutter sound" behaviour with some woodpeckers - and some other birds such as certain shorebirds too.

[Randy Stout]

Mike:

Excellent exposure, nice to see detail in the eye, shows the zygodactyl foot well.

I do agree about the comp. I would prefer more to left and a bit more on the bottom as well.

I also have seen the freezing behaviour with the shutter.

Randy