While winding up my one-on-one session with Moose Peterson last Tuesday afternoon, this white-headed woodpecker suddenly appeared at the balcony suet feeder. Since my 600mm lens was mounted on the tripod facing the feeder, Moose suggested I try for some shots, telling me that most likely the shots wouldn’t turn out well because the woodpecker was on the far side of the branch obscuring most of the bird’s body. Despite the possibility that a decent shot was unlikely, Moose suggested I had the best chance at a shot if I turned the camera to frame it vertically . My subject was mostly obscured, darting behind the branch, then peeking out, then disappearing again. All shots but this one were out of focus because I didn’t have the ISO set high enough so the shutter speed was very slow. Yet, despite the slow shutter speed (1/15) the woodpecker’s eye is in sharp focus and I thought its expression was appealing because of the clump of suet on its beak.
Carol
I admire your fortitude to sign up for the one on one with Moose. I admire him and his skill absolutely. But I find his teaching style a challenge. I’ve learned the most by hanging around others, but whenever I’ve been in the crosshairs – the questions asked just don’t seem to have answers.
Re Birding – I will be going on three excursions during Galveston FeatherFest which will be a great help in discovery of more great sites and adventures when you come.
All the best and keep on shooting – you are getting some great shots
Connie
[…] doors and windows open. I’m not sure if this is the same white-headed woodpecker from six months ago , but I got a better shot this […]