Yesterday morning, I was thrilled when a female Northern Flicker flew into the birdbath for a drink on a chilly autumn day. She seemed to glow in the sunlight.
Northern Flicker female after taking a drink of water – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 340mm, natural light
I had seen this female flicker moving closer and closer to the birdbath, so I wasn’t surprised when she flew in and landed. What did surprise me was that the light was so beautiful, especially since just a few minutes earlier, it hadn’t been great for photographing birds.
I was ready for her, though, and the only thing I needed to do was zoom out a bit so she didn’t take up the whole viewfinder.
Female Northern Flicker at a birdbath – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 340mm, natural light
I don’t have Northern Flickers in my viewfinder as often as I would like; this species seems to be a bit skittish here. This female flicker didn’t appear to be nearly as skittish as others I’ve seen. She didn’t even seem bothered by the sound of the shutter! I’m ever so happy.
Female Northern Flicker about to lift off – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 340mm, natural light
The female Northern Flicker perched on the edge of the birdbath, drinking her fill of fresh, cold water.
Speaking of the birdbath, it was so chilly here yesterday morning that a thin crust of ice had formed on it before daylight. The weather has definitely changed, and it feels wonderful after seeing highs in the mid-90s last week.
I keep thinking about the birds arriving to overwinter here, and I’m filled with excitement.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Flicker photos plus facts and information about this species.
Absolute show-stopper pics! The color, detail, eye-contact and partial reflections in the birdbath really come together in every shot. Beautiful. Thanks Mia.
Birds at the birdbath are always a joy. We are warming up here – and I am NOT looking forward to the sweaty season.