Have you ever noticed the different ways that birds take to the air? Some of them flap their wings and seem able to almost levitate themselves as they rise vertically. Others make a running start in order to gain additional momentum before they lift off. No matter how they do it, the birds have to coordinate a complex series of small actions by their various body parts for a takeoff to be successful.
On Tuesday I was observing this Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) in a tree at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, when it decided to depart without warning. Instinctively I pressed the shutter and was able to capture this fun little photo. It looks like the first step in the takeoff process for this flicker was to leap from the branch and then perhaps glide a bit before engaging its wings.
Northern Flickers always fascinate me. I cannot help but marvel at the amazing combination of colors and patterns on the bodies of these woodpeckers whenever I see one.
Have a wonderful weekend.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
👌🏻👍🏻
I love. Seeing Flickers, Mike. We spotted two around here recently. No camera, but they were still fascinating. Great capture. I think you might be the fastest shutter in the east.
Thanks, Dan. One of the advantages to shooting so much with the same gear is that I feel really comfortable using it. By this time of the year, I have gotten my hand-to-eye coordination dialed in. In the fall I switch from using my macro lens most of the time to using my telephoto zoom lens and there is always an adjustment period.
That’s a great photograph of the Flicker’s launch, Mike!
Absolutely one of my favorite birds.
What I call the ‘leap of faith’. Complete belief they will not hit the ground. Good instinct on your part 👍
Impressive photo! I’ve never seen a flicker in real life, though I believe they’re around here, just not around me. 🙂
Great action shot and I really like that the branch is in shot to connect the bird’s motion to the fact it has just taken off and also to add a great sense of direction in the composition.
Really interesting.
What Laura ⬆️ said! And excellent timing on your part.
Now that is a wonderful catch! Looks like a skier launching in winter Olympics!
Nice in flight image Mike!
Thanks, Reed. This one was not exactly planned–sometimes it pays to be lucky or to have a quick trigger finger. 🙂
stunning