I photographed this young Red-bellied Woodpecker last month in Arkansas. I was visiting my dear friend and fellow photographer, Steve Creek. I had photographed this woodpecker earlier when the male parent was still feeding it.
Young Red-bellied Woodpecker pecking wood – Canon R7, f11, 1/1000, ISO 1000, -1.0 EV, Canon RF 800 mm, natural light
Adult Red-bellied Woodpeckers help their young after they leave the nest by feeding them for about 5 to 6 weeks. While I was in Arkansas, I witnessed this immature woodpecker starting to search for food on its own. It would come to the suet feeder but also foraged in the nearby trees. In this image, it was pecking at the bark of a pine tree.
It was a thrilling experience for me to observe the young woodpecker learning to find food, feed itself, and witness its growth.
I captured this photo from Steve’s deck using his Canon RF 800mm on his Canon R7.
I have taken many more photos of this immature woodpecker, and I plan to share more about it in the future.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-bellied Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
The dramatic color and lighting combined with the detail and textures are incredible. Great shot. Thanks Mia.
How wonderful to be a witness to the learning process.
It’s so nice to see fledglings and younger birds learning to live on their own. I look forward to more.—Jeri
Great to have shots of fledglings learning how to live on their own.I look forward to more.-Jeri
So neat to see the youngsters striking out on their own! ❤️