All winter long I have been trying to get a clear shot of a Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) at my local marshland park. I have seen them from time to time, high in the trees in the shadows, and have even managed to get some photos of them, but I had never really gotten a good look at the red head.
This past weekend I came across one pecking away on the ground, permitting me at last to get some photos that highlight its beautiful coloration. These shots were taken from a pretty good distance away, but I think you would all agree—this redhead is stunning.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Wow, Mike, I have never seen one of these. I didn’t even realize they were around here. Thanks for sharing these pictures.
Picture quality rates under the excitement of the encounter.
Agres, alas. I thought about not posting the images, because they were pretty grainy due to cropping, but decided to do so, because the red-headed woodpecker is a relative rarity for most folks.
They’re spotty in southern Illinois. I haven’t seen one for few years. Of course I’m not out as much as I used to.
that is really different. We have been seeing a lot of red bellied WPs in the last few week, more than usual, but nothing like this bird (also been seeing more starlings (Yucch!) Great photos mike, Rob
Thanks, Rob. Many of the woodpeckers seem to look similar to me, but this one is pretty distinctive. I’ve gotten so that I can recognize its call, but these woodpeckers are normally high in the trees, where branches and shadows block the view.
that is so beautiful. thanks for posting even though you were not thrilled with the quality. otherwise, i would never have gotten to see this!
They are definitely cool birds and I know where they tend to hang out, so I hope to have some more shots in the next few months. Usually I see a lot of Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers and it’s not all that common for me to see a Redheaded Woodpecker.
Good catch, buddy! I’m green with envy, but hey, your persistence (despite less than ideal weather) has been rewarded.
Thanks. I took this shot as I was walking down the trail and the bird was on the ground right at the edge of the trail.Luck played a huge role (as is the case much of the time), but persistence helps too.
What a beautiful bird. I agree with derb523622013. Thanks for posting. Sometimes the encounter or the experience merits the post on it’s own account. I have no doubt that you’ll be out there until you get a bright day in the morning sun where you can get a great shot with a high shutter speed and low ISO. Can’t wait to see those photos, too! 🙂
You’ve described pretty well the cycle that I go through–I am so excited the first time when I get a shot of something (or a clear shot in this case) that I’ll post as long as it is recognizable. Only later will I worry about improving on the quality. I remember reading an article or posting in which the author essentially said that the true mark of a professional is showing only your best work. I’m glad I don’t have to live by that kind of a standard. 🙂
Well, your photos had me looking through ebird to see where I could go to have a chance at seeing a Redhead. There’s actually been one hanging on the National Mall, in between the Reflecting Pool and the Vietnam Vet’s Memorial. Maybe it’s time for a drive downtown.
I’m surprised you got a shot of him at all. These are smart birds. I was hiking the other day and as long as I was crunching through the snow I could hear a woodpecker, but every time I stopped to listen, it stopped pecking. As soon as the snow started crunching again, he started pecking.
Really great to see a red-headed woodpecker, thanks Mike. They don’t live out in the western US.
He’s certainly a beauty but being Scottish I’m not going to make to many comments about redheads of the female variety! 😀