Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: Arlen on January 15, 2023, 11:36:24 pm

Title: Hammer Time
Post by: Arlen on January 15, 2023, 11:36:24 pm

I see these big pileated woodpeckers here in western Oregon only occasionally, usually a couple of times a season. This one spent at least an hour and half working away at this same spot on the dead tree. Using a slow, non-threatening approach, I was able to get quite close. Or maybe it was just unwilling to abandon the spot after having invested so much effort at excavation.

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: PeterAit on January 16, 2023, 10:19:24 am

Quote from: Arlen on January 15, 2023, 11:36:24 pm

I see these big pileated woodpeckers here in western Oregon only occasionally, usually a couple of times a season. This one spent at least an hour and half working away at this same spot on the dead tree. Using a slow, non-threatening approach, I was able to get quite close. Or maybe it was just unwilling to abandon the spot after having invested so much effort at excavation.

Excellent shot with great feather detail of a most handsome bird! We see them here occasionally and it is always a treat.

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: francois on January 16, 2023, 10:57:57 am

Great shot, perfectly timed and in focus.
Bravo, Arlen!

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: Arlen on January 17, 2023, 07:19:23 pm

Thanks a lot, Peter and Francois.

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: MattBurt on January 18, 2023, 12:14:15 am

Great shot!

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: Arlen on January 19, 2023, 06:06:52 pm

Thanks, Matt.

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: Bob_B on January 20, 2023, 08:47:07 am

Well done. Pileated woodpeckers are definitely a favorite of mine.

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: Chris Calohan on January 20, 2023, 09:42:52 am

Always a treat to get a Piliated!

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on January 21, 2023, 11:43:33 pm

Yes, excellent shot.

Title: Re: Hammer Time
Post by: Arlen on January 22, 2023, 09:22:02 pm

Bob, Chris, and Eric, I really appreciate your comments. Although I had other shots to choose from, I like this one because of the flying wood chip. It makes me think how fast the head strikes must be; that after sending this chip flying, the bird's withdrawing head outraced the chip in it it flight path.