One of my many nemesis birds. A pair was flying around Six Mile Cypress Slough last week, taunting me with their raucous calls but never giving me a clear shot through the thick cypress swamp. As we were heading back to the car, this one perched just for a moment where I could get a clear view through the trees, with his head catching the late afternoon sun. I just got two frames, and then he was off again. I might have wished for a bit of head turn and lower capture angle, but figured I'd post, since it's my best to date of this species. C&C appreciated.
D7000, 500f4 + 1.4, ISO 800, 1/640s @ f/6.3 manual, gitzo and mongoose
These guys certainly can be teasers, you know they are there, just can't get a good look at them!
I think the lighting on the crest is great, really makes it pop.
Good crop.
Like the spray of pine needles, not so fond of the circular branch.
Yes, HA not great, but still very effective image.
Hi Bill, I call it testing your stress levels when you cant get a clear or decent shot of a certain subject. Congrats on getting at least two shots. Well exposed on the blacks, and the red crest pops so well. Those feet are so well camouflaged against the bark of the tree.
Hi Bill,
Excellent view of this gorgeous bird. I really like that I can see the pantaloon effect of the feathers on the leg. Good exposure on the blacks. I really like how the light is hitting the wing and chest. I love the boys with the red mustache,
gail
Gail
would love to offer some criticism but have none...a splendid shot, all around. And I love the business in the bottom-left...terrific colors and also there is an ethereal sweetness here? You know, I've never seen one of these Woody Woodpeckers...although not for lack of trying...not long ago a pair of them were (allegedly) invading a tree at a nearby park, giving people quite the show, making a real ruckus, doing their good business TEN FEET from the pedestrian pathway...it breaks the heart to tell you that I missed them by a day...but you should see the tree, it's no joke...