Pic of the Day

Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens

Horse Cove, near Gurley, Alabama

     Spring is in full swing here in North Alabama.  Flowers are in bloom, dogwoods and redbuds are covered in blooms and leaf out is well underway.  This afternoon I went into my blind to photograph woodpeckers and Pine Siskins.  While there, this little Downy Woodpecker flew to the bark butter feeder and ate her fill numerous times.   I look forward to a few weeks of shooting this downy and her mate as they raise young and continue to make trips to the feeder.  I just love spring!

Top: Nikon D800, NIkkor 500mm f4, 1/250 second @ f/8

Pic of the Day

Hairy Woodpecker, Picoides villosus; Horse Cove; Gurley, Alabama

     The weather was just great yesterday, with temps in the low 80's.  I found the time to spend an hour and half in my blind, and had a wonderful time shooting Downy Woodpeckers.  The whole family was coming to the feeder, but the pose of this little guy was just perfect.  I love shooting all birds, but particularly I love shooting the woodpeckers.  Hope you enjoy seeing this image as much as I enjoyed taking the photo.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/100 sec. @ f8

Pic of the Day

Hairy Woodpecker, Picoides villosus
Horse Cove; Gureley, Alabama

     I shot this female downy about a month ago near my bird feeders.  This female and her mate have successfully hatched a brood, and is bringing them to my bark butter feeder.  Yesterday I saw a young male being fed by the adult male.  Most species of birds raise a couple of broods here in North Alabama.  I suspect that within a few weeks the adults will be back on the nest.

Bark Butter is a product produced by Wild Birds Unlimited.  It is the best way to attract woodpeckers to your feeders.  Click here: http://www.wbu.com/barkbutter/, to find out more about “Bark Butter.”

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/60sec. @ f7.1