Downy Woodpecker in action

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Downy Woodpecker in action

January 10, 2016 by Mike Powell

If I were a woodpecker, I think that I would want to be a Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens). These energetic little birds will sometimes peck away at the relatively soft stalks of reeds and cattails, rather than at the harder tree trunks of full-sized trees.

I recently captured some shots of a Downy Woodpecker in action. I was amazed that it was able to peck away at the stalk on which it was perched without losing its balance or knocking itself off of the perch. Of course, its vigorous movements made it a bit difficult to photograph, but I was persistent and managed to get some decent shots.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged Alexandria VA, Canon 50D, Downy Woodpecker, Huntley Meadows Park, male Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens, Tamron 150-600mm telephoto | 11 Comments

11 Responses

on January 10, 2016 at 5:52 pm | Reply Laura (PA Pict)

They are gorgeous wee fellas, aren’t they? I know how swiftly they move and the speed at which they peck so I’m very impressed with your photographs.
- on January 11, 2016 at 2:47 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Laura. I love these little guys. I see them pretty often, but it’s rare for me to get an unobstructed shot of one of them in action.
on January 11, 2016 at 12:54 am | Reply Charlie@Seattle Trekker

Your patience paid off with some excellent shots, I to am amazed that he didn’t knock himself from his perch.
- on January 11, 2016 at 2:45 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Charlie.
on January 11, 2016 at 7:40 am | Reply centralohionature

They never fail to put a smile on my face, especially in the winter woods!
on January 11, 2016 at 7:58 am | Reply Lyle Krahn

Beautiful shots especially with the soft background. I think the Downy will approve!
on January 12, 2016 at 11:27 pm | Reply bayphotosbydonna

fabulous series!
- on January 13, 2016 at 12:54 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Donna.
on January 13, 2016 at 6:26 am | Reply Marco Pesaresi

Lovely set Mike especially the last shot.
on January 17, 2016 at 8:01 am | Reply caleephotography

Such a cute little woodpecker! Great shots, Mike.
- on January 17, 2016 at 8:26 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Camilla. There are our smallest woodpeckers and I love to watch them in action. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/lifehistory), they weigh only 21 to 28 grams.