downy woodpecker? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ED-IF

02/02/2004 12:48:30 PM · #1

my bird ID's are a bit rusty - this was in the woods near my house.

not sure what it is - thinking maybe a downy woodpecker.
its about 4-6" tall hard - to say was about 30' away - but a small one none-the-less
some one will know ;}

rmahan

Nikon D3

02/02/2004 01:50:00 PM · #2

Yep ... that's a Downy. The Hairy woodpecker has a longer beak but otherwise looks about the same. Edit: Nice shot, too!

Message edited by author 2004-02-02 13:50:33.

02/02/2004 02:51:10 PM · #3

hmm, so maybe my ID's aren't so rusty ;} thanks for verifying...
took me 1/2 hour to listen in on them - was a pair, but i think maybe the same sex, as the markings, and color was pretty similar.

will try to post the pair together tonight, but it isn't as close a shot - they were far apart on the tree..

next i am aiming to get the red headed woodpecker that frequents the yard on 'film' maybe tomorrow - another fairly mild day forcasted -w sunshine ;}

Beagleboy

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

02/02/2004 02:59:34 PM · #4

Originally posted by soup:

...was a pair, but i think maybe the same sex, as the markings, and color was pretty similar.

Next time you see one of them, look for a bright patch of plumage on the back of the head. If you see red = male, if noe red = female. Apart from that they look exactly alike.

EDIT: Both your shots show females. Very nice work, by the way

Message edited by author 2004-02-02 15:02:24.

02/02/2004 04:10:50 PM · #5

Thanks ;}

yeah thats what i thought - wasn't 100% though, why would there be a pair of females flying and eating together?

and i know there are a few species that look quite similar - but are of different sizes.

i think its a red headed one i have been seeing as well, about 12" tall red plume on head - mainly black back and sides - white underbelly.

been a long time since i have lived in the sticks, so i have lost some of my animal knowledge...

thanks for looking...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II

02/02/2004 07:38:31 PM · #6

another i took yesterday. close and closer... sort of
the ones of the pair of them weren't close enough to tell them apart really.

Dim7

Canon EOS R

02/02/2004 08:38:00 PM · #7

Nice shots soup! Soon my camera will go in search for the pileated!!Certainly more elusive.I have liked this shot for a long time specialy the reaction of the two goldfinches at the indigo bunting below.LOL
Birds of a feather

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

02/02/2004 08:42:47 PM · #8

yes piliated, very large, few and far between, have seen one when i was in CT, quite a site... cool bird no doubt.

woody woodpecker was modeled after a piliated i think...

Drake

Nikon D850

02/02/2004 08:56:24 PM · #9

I believe that this is also a Downy.

Dim7

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II

02/02/2004 08:57:12 PM · #10

Here is one in flight from a year or so ago, with the 300d i should be able to get better shots. I live very close to an old growth hardwood forest and they are usually about at dawn and dusk! Very skittish of people i might add!

Dim7

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II

02/02/2004 09:04:24 PM · #11

I have never been able to get a picture of a pileated that i am happy with, maybe in the next couple of moths! If someone has a good pileated woodpecker(Woody) shot please post it!!