Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Why I Love Valley Forge


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.


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.
Baby Pileated Looking for Mom

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