This morning, I’m sharing two photos of a young Red-bellied Woodpecker that I photographed two days ago. I’m so very delighted to be seeing this species again.
Peeking young Red-bellied Woodpecker – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 1250, +0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
This immature Red-bellied Woodpecker was very cautious, and I think it had a right to be. An adult Red-bellied was chasing this young one around frequently that morning. All this immature woodpecker wanted was a turn at the suet feeder, after all.
So, this peekaboo pose wasn’t for me. The young woodpecker was checking to see if the adult Red-bellied Woodpecker was nearby. Perhaps it was also looking for other threats to its safety as well.
Young Red-bellied Woodpecker on a wooden post – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 1250, +0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
I’ve seen adult Red-bellied Woodpeckers chasing the young of their own species here several times this year. I have also seen immature Red-bellied Woodpeckers following the adults of this species around, presumably their own young wanting to be fed.
In all my years in Utah, I hadn’t realized how much I missed Red-bellied Woodpeckers and other eastern birds until last year when I spent an extended period of time in the Eastern U.S.
I’m not really in the East here; I’m in the South. Still, there are birds here that I used to see back East, along with species I never saw in the East or in Utah. Additionally, I see some species here that I also saw in Utah.
With all the amazing birds on this planet, I could never, ever get bored.
Having Red-bellied Woodpeckers in my viewfinder once again is a joy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-bellied Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
If some big guy was chasing me…I would hide too. Wonderful pics that tell a story. Thanks Mia.
I don’t envy your hot summer day but I do envy your birds. As I do where ever you find yourself.
Cute bird playing peekaboo.
Great shots!