I admire the boundless energy of Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens). This weekend I watched as this male Downy Woodpecker climbed higher and higher in a tree, pecking along the way, until he ran out of branches.
He turned his body and looked up at a nearby tree and paused, which gave me a chance to get this shot of his downy white abdomen. There is a kind of tension in his position that I really like, as he clutches the branch and focuses intently on his next destination.
This second shot, which was taken before the first one, shows the Downy Woodpecker in a more conventional pose. He was inching his way up to the end of the branch and I was wondering what he would do next.
One thing that learned from this mini-shoot is that it is tough to hold a lens this heavy overhead for an extended period of time. I haven’t weighed the camera/lens combination, but the lens alone weights 4.3 pounds (1.95 kg).
I may have to start lifting weights to build up my arm and shoulder muscles
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That seems to be a common complaint among big lens owners, but they sure do take some great photos.
I’ve never thought of it before but it seems like woodpeckers must protect trees from a lot of insect carried diseases.
That first photo is really exceptional Mike. Woodpeckers don’t usually perch on narrow branches, more often they are on the tree trunk. Great capture.
Wonderful images!
Thanks very much. I really enjoy watching woodpeckers at work, especially the little ones like this Downy Woodpecker.
I like that philosophical look in the first one.
That is one heavy camera to be carrying around. It’s a wonder you ever get a steady shot. My little iPhone might not take such amazing pictures but it’s a great deal more portable.
There are bigger lenses available, but they mostly require using a tripod (or at least a monopod) all of the time. The heavier weight can have a steadier influence when shooting straight on, but is a bit of a strain when pointed upwards. Still, I am able to carry the camera with that lens and my camera back for multiple hours without any real issues.
Both are really nice images, Mike!
Thanks, Sue. It’s nice having a bit extra reach.
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