Perched male Red-naped Sapsucker in Idaho – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I was truly hoping to wake up to a nice, white blanket of snow on the ground this morning, it was in the forecast, but the weather forecasters are often wrong. I can see that it is snowing but it has not begun to stick so it just looks wet outside and by looking at the combined radar and satellite it is most likely cloudy.
I probably shouldn’t say this because I am normally an optimistic person who looks for the best in whatever situation I find myself in but I have started to get weary of the dull browns, tans and wheat colors of the grasses, shrubs and fields and would like to see white everywhere I look instead. Birds stand out so nicely from the winter whiteness whether the light is bright or low because of winter fog or a snowstorm. Maybe I have the doldrums and just need a change.
I wanted to see some color this morning so I selected this photo of a perched male Red-naped Sapsucker that I took this summer in Idaho to share here today. I liked the greenery in the background with the sunlight brightening up the distant conifers, the red of the head and neck of the sapsucker, the contrast of the black and white in his plumage and the hint of yellow on his breast. This morning just seeing the colors in this bird photo has brightened my mood.
This Red-naped Sapsucker was perched on a dead aspen branch near the nesting cavity where I photographed a chick being fed by the adults in mid July. I had waited years to be able to see a Red-naped Sapsucker chick at the opening of a nesting cavity poking its head out while begging for food. It was worth the wait. I wish I had been able to see and photograph the chick fledging but it was not to be.
It is still dark outside here but I believe I am beginning to see the snow stick to the grasses outside of my window and on the neighbor’s dark roof across the street. Even though it is cloudy maybe today will be a good day to bundle up and go to the local pond to photograph the birds there as winter finally makes an appearance close to home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-naped Sapsucker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Fantastic photo.
What a glorious sight.
Snow? Colour me a tad jealous.
This shot has it all. Depth, color, detail and marvelous texture. Simply stated…a beautiful pic Mia. Thanks.
I’m with you on waiting for snow, but I fear I’ll have a much longer wait than you 🙂 That said, it’s supposed to get close to freezing tonight at 35 degrees, but there’s no moisture in sight for Northern Arizona. Wishing you a lovely blanket of snow today!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful…..love bird, angle of shot and gnarly weathered branch….
Beautiful photo, it makes me miss the greens and warmth of summer today.
Be careful what you wish for they say we will have lake effect with this storm, some area will get hit with lots of white stuff.
Hope you get your snow! Thanks for the woodpeckers. Hairy and Downy at the feeders this morning. And gorgeous male Purple Finch. .