Winter Afternoon Woodpeckers

The beautiful weather we experienced Saturday gave me another opportunity to work with the birds at our natural appearing bird feeders. One feeding spot is in the back of this upright weathered log. I have noticed that both Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers prefer this particular feeding spot.

Perhaps the cover surrounding this spot is attractive to the woodpeckers or perhaps it is because they can cling vertically to the trunk while feeding but what ever the reason both species frequent this spot. Being limited with the 400mm lens, I set up a few feet away hoping the woodpeckers would allow me to capture photographs with good feather detail.

The male Downy was the first to arrive. Although it remained hidden behind the feeder trunk most of the time it did move into sight twice allowing me to click a few frames each time.

A male Red-bellied did likewise although it was not quite as trusting as the Downy.

The birding fun all ended when a different “bird” arrived to clean up the remaining bird seed.