Yesterday morning, while waiting for the first rain bands from Hurricane Beryl, I sat on Steve Creek’s deck to photograph this immature Red-bellied Woodpecker.
Immature Red-bellied Woodpecker close up – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 1250, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
After photographing a teenage Black Vulture at Sequoyah NWR, I was thrilled to take photos of a teenage Red-bellied Woodpecker too. I’ve photographed younger individuals of this species but haven’t had the opportunity to photograph them at this stage of life.
Because of the pattern on the head and nape of this immature Red-bellied Woodpecker, I believe it might be a young male. I could be wrong, and if I am, I don’t mind corrections at all; in fact, I appreciate them.
Seeing the tongue sticking out of the bill on this youngster led me to select this photo to share today.
Immature Red-bellied Woodpecker portrait – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 1250, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
It was wonderful to sit on Steve’s deck yesterday morning. The air was cool, there was a slight breeze, and birds were coming to his feeders hot and heavy ahead of Beryl’s rain bands. I’m certain they knew a strong storm was heading this way.
When this immature woodpecker showed up, I was more than happy to have it in my viewfinder. It didn’t stick around long, but I had enough time to take the images I wanted.
I’ve also been seeing an immature Red-headed Woodpecker in Steve’s pear trees. I would love for that bird to come to the feeders, but so far, that has not happened. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the young Red-headed Woodpecker decides to grace us with its presence soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-bellied Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific shots and the eye contact is perfect. Thanks Mia.
What a cutie! Hope you don’t have too many problems from the rains.
I saw 2 woodpeckers on my tree outside my back porch today.As I heard one of them pecking at the tree. Sadly by the time I got my camera they were gone but it’s nice to know they are in my neighborhood.
I always love your portraits.