Alan Kiecker, QPSA
December 2024 - Downy Woodpecker at the Feeder
About the Image(s)
Discussion:
It seems like every time an interesting bird shows up at the feeder and I go off to grab my camera, they have left by the time I get back. A few days ago this woodpecker stayed to grab a meal giving me some time to practice.
Technical:
Nikon Z8, Z 180-600 @ 600mm, 1/500 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 2500. Processed with Lightroom Classic and Topaz Photo AI.
7 comments posted
Alan,
Great picture of this little woodpecker! I have the same problem photographing the birds coming to our backyard feeder. Patience!
You have great detail on the bird and the tree branch. Great bokeh for the background! My only suggestions for improvement would be to lighten up the area around the bird's eye. I know it is a dak eye on a dark headed bird, but give it a shot. Also, the tree branch is cut off. I'd crop up to eliminate the bottom of the branch. Posted: 12/06/2024 16:46:13
Great picture of this little woodpecker! I have the same problem photographing the birds coming to our backyard feeder. Patience!
You have great detail on the bird and the tree branch. Great bokeh for the background! My only suggestions for improvement would be to lighten up the area around the bird's eye. I know it is a dak eye on a dark headed bird, but give it a shot. Also, the tree branch is cut off. I'd crop up to eliminate the bottom of the branch. Posted: 12/06/2024 16:46:13
Thanks David. Your suggestions make sense and I will give them a try. Posted: 12/06/2024 17:30:13
Hi Alan
I've been trying to figure out since I first saw this, how does the tree end at the bottom like that? Is this a tree trunk mounted to something from above, leaving that open bottom hanging down? I get it with the dead end on top, but my brain's having a hard time getting past the anchorless trunk ?
Beyond the gravity-defying tree trunk, I don't have a lot to offer-up. I like the detail you've captured in the tree and the bird, and the bokeh in the background really compliments your subject nicely. It's a little nit-picky, but there are a few artifacts that stand out against the bokeh if you felt like cleaning them up.
Posted: 12/13/2024 00:24:59
I've been trying to figure out since I first saw this, how does the tree end at the bottom like that? Is this a tree trunk mounted to something from above, leaving that open bottom hanging down? I get it with the dead end on top, but my brain's having a hard time getting past the anchorless trunk ?
Beyond the gravity-defying tree trunk, I don't have a lot to offer-up. I like the detail you've captured in the tree and the bird, and the bokeh in the background really compliments your subject nicely. It's a little nit-picky, but there are a few artifacts that stand out against the bokeh if you felt like cleaning them up.
Posted: 12/13/2024 00:24:59
This is a bird feeder made from a length of 3" or 4" diameter birch log. This is suspended from a "J-hook" along with two other feeders. There are three 2" holes drilled through the birch branch. These are stuffed with suet. The woodpeckers enjoy the suet. Posted: 12/13/2024 01:52:25
The feeder is placed out in my yard behind our patio. This shows the three feeders on the pole. At the bottom is a squirrel baffle. It is fun to watch them climb up the pole. They will get inside the baffle before giving up. Posted: 12/14/2024 21:12:01
Ahhh OK, that makes so much more sense. Thanks for the context image! Posted: 12/14/2024 22:24:34
I thoroughly enjoy watching the birds from the kitchen window. This is where I took the photos. In warmer weather I will go outside to the deck/patio area to take photos. Posted: 12/14/2024 22:28:46