Pileated Woodpecker

[Doug Brown]

I'm getting way behind on image posts. Here's a Pileated Woodpecker head shot from my last trip to Florida. This guy was feeding on a fallen log and didn't seem to mind my presence at all. This was taken at close to MFD.



Canon 7D, 500mm, f/6.3, 1/320, ISO 800, manual exposure, hand held

[Karl Egressy]

I don't think I have ever seen a portrait shot of this bird, as it is not very approachable, most of the time.
For the rest of the time, it is not approachable at all.
Great job getting close to one and taking such a great head shot, Doug.

[Andrew Merwin]

The detail in this image makes it an engaging image for me. I like the BG also. Is your silhouette visible in the eye?

[Jack Breakfast]

It's sweet and cozy when one can see the photographer in the bird's eye, methinks

[Daniel Cadieux]

Cool, that doesn't happen everyday! Lots of nice details, and good exposure. Background goes well with the red head. I do see a magenta cast though.

[Doug Brown]

Cool, that doesn't happen everyday! Lots of nice details, and good exposure. Background goes well with the red head. I do see a magenta cast though.

Thanks Daniel. Here's a repost with correction of the magenta cast.

[Doug Brown]

It's sweet and cozy when one can see the photographer in the bird's eye, methinks

That would've been cool, but I think it's just trees. You be the judge. 100% RAW file crop.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Doug, I like the angled pose, and just love all the colours and detail. Nicely done with removing the cast.

[jack williamson]

Very nice portrait, sharp. Repost looks better and it would have been real cool if that would have been your reflection in the eye.

Jack

[Alan Murphy]

Killer detail and pose.

[Arno Ellmer]

Stunning portrait,Doug. Great detail.I love the pose and the striking bright colours.

[dankearl]

Great close-up, one of the few I have ever seen of these.
Repost looks very nice.

[Randy Stout]

Doug:

I would say about 30 yards is the closest I can get to a pileated in Michigan, even in heavy woods, unless on a nest. Remarkable to get in so tight. Another marvel of Florida birds!

Lighting would have made it difficult, but a sliver more DOF would have been nice, but at that range, pretty difficult to achieve. Good that it was a crop camera with more DOF.

Good pose and background too.

Congrats on an rarely captured image!

Cheers

Randy

[Doug Brown]

Appreciate the feedback! It was a pretty cool encounter!

[Peter Dexter]

Very nice detailed portrait and nice you were able to get the male.

[Satish Ranadive]

Wonderful portrait with great details.