Yesterday I traveled to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, my favorite local place for wildlife photography, for the first time in over a week. Things were kind of slow and most of the birds that I spotted, primarily scaups, ruddy ducks, and buffleheads, were out of range in the deep water. There was a good bit of sunshine, though, that lifted my spirits and helped to compensate for the scarcity of subjects.
As I walked along the trails, I heard this Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) before I was able to spot him. He was hammering away on a branch and had his head lowered and mostly to the side. I kept my camera trained on him and eventually he raised his head and I was able to capture this image of him that I really like. The shot provides a good look at the large claw on his foot that helps him grip the branch and it also shows how he uses his tail to give him additional leverage.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike, I’m so glad you were able to get back to your favorite place—the claw, the tail, the “winter”…quiet, perfect, and serene. What a beautiful capture. I’ve never seen this woodpecker up close before. Thank you!
Thanks so much. February somehow has been a busy month for me, getting my taxes submitted and taking care of a few other pressing matters. Sometimes I have to remind myself how important it is to have some “me” time–wandering about with my camera in nature is the perfect prescription for me for dealing with the stresses of life and I definitely miss it if I go too long between outings.
You’re welcome! Yes! I understand! I’ve been in that boat, too (taxes, home responsibilities, the stresses…). I’m so glad you were “medicated”! Keep it up! I’m very excited that a camera is headed my way, Mike. Several years ago I gifted my camera and equipment to a young lady. A blessing is arriving to me in the form of a small Canon Powershot SX740. I’m not a professional, but I love taking pictures and wanted something small and easy to carry, with the ability to ZOOM, and be easy for my hikes and such (NOT my phone!). I’m excited to be able to have it for my future nature walks!