My goal today was to get a good close up of the Northern Flicker as she was flying. I wanted to catch those beautiful wings. I got to Valley Forge a little late, but the light in the woods was still good. I found the flicker and set up my tripod. He was in his nest and kept peaking out just a little. I vowed not to be distracted by anything and just keep focusing on the flicker until he made his move. I sat behind the lens for what seemed like forever just watching as he watched me. Suddenly there was a commotion right in front of me, but I didn't want to take my eye off the flicker. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the beautiful pileated woodpecker directly in front of me on an old tree trunk.
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| Pileated Woodpecker |
It was too good, I had to take a few shots. The woodpecker stayed for a minute then flew off and I settled back in. Then I heard a whole other commotion a little further away. It sounded like a bunch of chipmunks squeaking. I looked up again and there on far off tree was the woodpecker feeding her baby. Oh my oh my!! It was just a marvelous moment.
I didn't have the extender on my camera, so it was difficult to get a good close up, but I did get a few fuzzy shots. I went back later in the day, but only the baby was in the nest. I will try again tomorrow.
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| Baby Pileated Looking for Mom |
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