Redheads tend to be stunning, rare, and elusive and the Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) at Huntley Meadows Park are no exception to that general rule. These relatively uncommon woodpeckers tend to spend their time high up in tall trees and it’s tough to even spot them. I was therefore thrilled on Monday when I caught a glimpse from a distance of this beautiful woodpecker and managed to capture a photo of it.
The photo shows the distinctive colors and pattern of the Red-headed Woodpecker pretty well. From a technical perspective, I’m happy that I was able to document the presence of this bird. From an artistic perspective, I’m a bit less satisfied with the shot. I hope that the Red-headed Woodpeckers hang around for the winter and that I can get some better shots.
The shots of the Red-headed Woodpecker were my final shots of the day. Interestingly enough, my first shots of the day were also of a woodpecker, a Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), a common species in my area. The woods were dark and full of shadows, but the sunlight was falling on one tree, illuminating an energetic little Downy Woodpecker.
I was able to get a sharper shot of this woodpecker and to manage the background better, producing an image that I actually like more than my shot of the Red-headed Woodpecker. I love the way that the areas of darkness and light provide a kind of natural vignette that draws the viewers’ eyes to the subject.
I realize that it often is tough for me to evaluate my own photos objectively, in part because I have trouble separating the emotions of the experience of shooting from the actual images themselves. It is exciting to see new or uncommon species and to get any kind of shot that I can use to help share those emotions with others.
In most cases, I have to use words to explain why a particular shot is meaningful to me. As I move forward in photography, I’d like to be able to eventually produce images more often that stand on their own artistically and technically, without any need for explanations.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Your photos are always fabulous. As one who has attempted capturing these elusive beauties, I can see why you have trouble separating your emotions from the photo. I think you’re very close to not having to explain but I like your explanations anyway. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I enjoying the writing part of my blog so much that I am not really sure I want to put myself out of business as a writer. 🙂
Love woodpeckers. Great shots. I support a nice variety in our backyard with dozens of feeders catering to them.
My townhouse neighbors might object, but it sounds like a great idea to me.
I consider it saving the trees. If we do not feed them our trees suffer. Thankfully we do not have wood siding on the house.
Great photos Mike. Good enough that I will forgive you putting Woody’s cackling laugh in my head for the day 🙂
Thanks, Dan. I grew up with Woody Woodpecker too. In case there are really young readers who don’t know to what we are referring, here’s a link to the laugh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNxujJGnbB4
Good catch, Mike! I’ve seen Red-headed Woodpeckers along Cedar Trail. Is that where you saw Woody?
I saw it on the main trail coming from the Visitor Center on the right, a bit before the start of the boardwalk where the beaver lodge renovation is taking place.
As a birder I am in awe of your red-headed wp photo because they are so so so hard to find. Stunning bird. (They are not found west of the Rockies) This photo, therefore, is extraordinary. Really like the artful downy photo a lot too, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. I sometimes forget about the geographical distribution of birds and how common (and uncommon) birds are not found everywhere. I wish that we had Acorn Woodpeckers here, for example. I’m glad you like my downy shot–I love those energetic little guys.
You did very well Mike as always. .. As you say when you spot a new bird you have to take what you can. It’s only when you have been able to capture lots of the one species that you can start getting a little more choosy with your individual shots. I can relate to the emotion of new or different sightings, but also to wanting to capture well framed, sharp shots and letting the pictures talk for themselves. My personal challenge is to thrive to photograph birds in interesting moments rather than just sitting on sticks.
Thanks, Chris. We’re both setting pretty challenging personal goals towards which we can work. Of course, in both cases it depends on having subjects that will cooperate. 🙂
A worthy goal, Mike, and you seem to be well on your way to achieving it. I love those red-heads, and wish I saw more of them here.
Thanks, Sue. My shorter term goal is to become more consistent with my results. As for the red-heads, I seem to be lucky to see them a couple of times a year.
I never see red headed woodpeckers so that’s a great shot to me. I’d be very happy to have taken it!
I am actually pretty happy with the shot, Allen, but like so many photographers, I’m never fully satisfied, hoping that I will get a chance to get an even better shot. That’s one of the factors that motivate me to go out to often with my camera in hand.
Wonderful image of the Red-headed Woodpecker – I’d love to see one some day!!