On my third visit to Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge I was thrilled to spot a male Red-bellied Woodpecker inside of a nesting cavity. I was able to photograph him peeking out of the nest.
Male Red-bellied Woodpecker inside a nesting cavity – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 1250, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1,4x TC, natural light
My only problem with this nesting cavity is that in the morning the light angle stinks! The rising sun is east of the tree the nest is in which puts the nesting hole in the shadows. I may have to make an afternoon trip or two to the refuge to get this nest in nice light.
Red-bellied Woodpecker in a nesting cavity – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 1250, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1,4x TC, natural light
When I first found the nesting cavity there were two woodpeckers at it, the male was inside; the female was outside of the nest and she promptly flew off.
Last year I saw nesting Red-bellied Woodpeckers in my dear friend Steve Creek’s yard. I didn’t see if the chicks fledged though and neither did Steve after I left to head back to Utah.
I am excited to be able to see and hear this woodpecker species again on a regular basis. While I lived in Utah, I missed them.
Maybe I will time a visit to the refuge where I will be able to see the young Red-bellied Woodpeckers leaving the nesting cavity. It would be awesome to see them fledge.
I’ve also missed seeing the larger Pileated Woodpeckers but so far I haven’t gotten the quality images of them that I want. I’m working at it by keeping a lookout and listening for them!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-bellied Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shots. I love the gnarly tree. Such wonderful detail. Thanks Mia.
I hope you get some good shots of fledging!
I really, really hope you can see more of this pair – and their offspring.