When this female Downy Woodpecker showed up at the suet feeder in such dramatic light and shadows, I knew I wanted to photograph her to showcase her beauty.
Female Downy Woodpecker in sunlight with shadows – Canon R7, f8, 1/2500, ISO 2500, 1.0 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 312mm, natural light
The striking black-and-white female woodpecker seemed to glow in the natural spotlight. She fed on the suet long enough for me to take a nice, long series of images of her. I deleted the ones where she was facing away from me and kept the photos where she was looking towards me.
The dramatic light and shadows certainly appealed to me. Your tastes may vary, and that’s fine.
Downy Woodpecker female in a natural spotlight – Canon R7, f8, 1/2500, ISO 2500, -1.0 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 312mm, natural light
When the female Downy Woodpecker finished eating, she flew away to a pine tree, leaving me with a smile on my face.
I know this type of bird photo isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I quite enjoy them. Immensely, even.
I’m also really enjoying having Downy Woodpeckers in my viewfinder as frequently as I do. They weren’t all that easy for me to find and photograph when I lived in Utah. Here in Arkansas, they come to the suet feeder quite often.
Now, if I could just get Hairy Woodpeckers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers to show up like the Downy Woodpeckers do, I’d be even happier. I’ve only seen one Hairy Woodpecker and, very recently, one Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Arkansas. Oh, and Pileated Woodpeckers in my viewfinder would be great too!
For now, I’m delighted each and every time I have a Downy Woodpecker in my sight.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Downy Woodpecker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Incredible lighting !! Makes for a beautiful image. Mia, I am so sorry I missed the opportunity to visit with you in Utah. Glad you are enjoying this new chapter of you life where there is such an abundance and variety of birds!
Hello Mia,
I also share with you your admiration of these little birds. I find them beautiful and think your photo is wonderful. Right away I picked up on the lighting you had. I am an amateur photographer, recently investing in a Sony mirrorless digital camera. I hope to capture as nice a photo of the Downy as well. I live in Utica, NY, what we refer to is “upstate” NY. I have been watching them at my suet feeder for a couple of weeks now. I can watch them for hours (from my kitchen window). I appreciate you and your blog, which I am very new to. I am also learning new things from you. So, thank you for all you share. -Linda
I love these images. We live in Nova Scotia and have quite a few pileated woodpeckers near by. This spring we had the great fun of having a nest with three offspring in a tree in our woods. We got to watch them peaking heads out, calling for a parent with food, being fed, for several weeks. Great fun!
She is gorgeous.
perfect, simply perfect. I love this photo