Red-naped Sapsucker Male

Gallery: AvianPosted July 29, 2010331 views9 comments

Hi Folks,

Haven't posted in awhile - just too busy with the ordinary stuff of life. But snuck a vacation in an was blessed to find a nesting pair of sapsuckers in my campground. Boy these parents are absolutely tireless in bring frequent meals to their young! They were acustomed to people and cars and gave me lots of opportunity to practice and improve my skills. Overcast skies led to some low shutter speeds, but I've got some keepers. And some pretty good looks at the kinds of food they carry in their mouths. I've got one where you can zoom in to see numerous ants in his bill. I read they have sticky saliva that helps extract and hold prey. Guess that's why the ants couldn't crawl away. Also makes me glad I'm not a little sapsucker.

Nikon D2X, Nikkor 300mm f2.8, TC-14E, 1/125s, f4.5, ISO 200, SB800 Fill-flash @ -2.67. Full frame. Cloned out flash reflection in eye, no other adjustments except sharpening.

Your comments and critiques are most welcome.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on July 29, 2010 at 6:55 PM

Looks good as posted. The larger version shows excellent detail.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 29, 2010 at 7:23 PM

Wonderful shot Julia, great to see you posting again. The nesthole and foot put this shot up a notch, congrats.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on July 30, 2010 at 2:10 AM

I like the colors and the indication that it has been raining. Interesting profile view of the adult, a fine looking individual and photo!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Darren McKenna on July 30, 2010 at 3:07 PM

Wonderful image Julie, I like the insects and good detail.

Registered on October 28, 2008, 31 Posts, 214 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 30, 2010 at 4:18 PM

Nice, Julia. Good flash work and I like the pose.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on July 30, 2010 at 7:16 PM

Love the overall feel of this image Julia. I like the comp you chose.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on July 30, 2010 at 7:57 PM

Really a nice image Julia. Great background for the bird and I like seeing the nest hole. Very good detail.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Douglas Graham on July 31, 2010 at 8:44 AM

Really cool bird and a great shot of him too boot. Love the setting and the techs are great.

Registered on May 14, 2009, 123 Posts, 522 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on July 31, 2010 at 5:13 PM

Julia,

I quite like this as posted. Nice details, raised crest, prey in the bill and pose.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments