Downy Woodpecker

Hi Len,

  Beautiful image with wonderful colors, lighting & details.  Take care, Patsy

Your comment is gratefully received.  Thanks for taking the time.  Best, LM.

You've been lucky to photograph this beautiful specimen of woodpecker, (I've never seen one). I like the composition of the picture, and the bright green background that contrasts well with the bird.  

Kind Regards,

Rosario.

Thanks for your visit and input.  These birds may only be native to North America.  I'm not sure, but it could account for their rarity where you live.  Cute little creatures and likely easily tamed.  He sure wasn't afraid of me and landed only a few feet away from where I was standing.  Luck is good!  :-)  Best, LM.

I like what you have done here Len. The bird is in a great dominate position. That out of focus back ground really pulls him to the foreground and I like your use of the tree branch as a natural frame. Very nicely lit.

In fact, the bird & the camera were on the same level.  I was standing very still when it landed on a tree about 7 ft from me.  The blurry background was a result of my 200mm lens being used at that distance @ f8.  Luck is good!  The tree is a natural frame and natural habitat for a woodpecker.   Win- win!  I took a series at that time (camera set to 'continuous' shooting) but this result was my favourite.  The 55-200mm zoom is barely adequate for this type of shooting but this demonstrates it's capabilities under optimum conditions.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Best, LM.