Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) have very distinctive patterns and colors, but in the early morning light this one blended in well with the bark and branches of the tree on which it was perched earlier this week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
I was able to detect the bird’s presence only when it moved its head a bit from side to side. Some of my friends are able to spot birds in the trees on the basis of their shapes, but for the most part I need some movement to be able to do so.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Interesting light!
Nice Mike! Flickers are fun to photograph and also watch. Usually they are very active birds!
I see them most often when they are flying away. I love to see the flash of yellow when their wings are open.
Great use of natural camouflage by this clever little Flicker. Thank-you!
Natural camouflage often helps in ensuring survivability, but it sure makes it tough for us photographers. 🙂