Acorn Woodpeckers

[Ed Rotberg]

I haven't posted in a while. I haven't had nearly as much chance toget out as I would like. But I did get out to Yosemite with the family last month, and I snuck off in the morning for a few hours of photography. I went into the meadow in the valley, and right along side one of the trails is this old, dead tree that is inhabited by a colony of Acorn Woodpeckers. I could have gotten closer to this tree and get a better light angle if I had left the trail -- but that's a no-no, even though I saw plenty of tourists doing it.

Anyhow, here are a few images:

#1 "Here is my good side!"


http://www.edrotberg.org/images/dpreview/Acorn%20Woodpecker%203.jpg

#2
http://www.edrotberg.org/images/dpreview/Acorn%20Woodpecker%204.jpg

#3 While this is not a great image, you can see the typical Acorn Woodpeck behavior. They will make these holes in trees (and telephone poles), and store acorns and nuts there for the winter. As you can see, this tree has been well prepared :)
http://www.edrotberg.org/images/dpreview/Acorn%20Woodpecker%205.jpg

= Ed =

[themtkid]

#2 Is a killer picture, It is so sharp and perfect I love #2

[i-hunter]

#2 is my favourite but all are stunning! Have these images undergone any PP?

[canonloader]

Excellent shots Ed. I have seen these guys at work in New Mexico when I lived down there.

[Cooper911]

All great captures but #2 is exceptional. Good work.

[hTr]

Outstanding Series the exposure on these shots is Fantastic

[Ed Rotberg]

Thanks all.

I-Hunter, all of my photographs are taken in RAW, so there is always some PP involved. Additionally, I have a "standard workflow" for me, but these images required very little as I was able to set up and confirm my exposures for these shots. Cropping, a bit of Curves, and sharpening are all that was done to these images.

= Ed =

[Anke]

Great series of pictures, like you say number three isn't the best but it's still a great environment shot, must've been fun to watch :D

[pttenn]

What a beautiful woodpecker! Love that little hint of turquoise color on him.
Karen

[sugarzebra]

Wonderful series Ed...hard to pick a favourite as they are all excellent.

[SlipNslide281]

Nice shots. Looks like a lot of work to hide an Acorn. LOL # 3 is cute. Looks like he is pissed because he got cought hiding it. :)

-Adam

[Gary Fairhead]

Good to see you posting again Ed and this is very nice work. I have to agree that the second one is a killer image. Wonderful exposure, details,angle, perch, BG, composition that all comes together in this dream shot.The only thing missing is a little more light under the perch...super!

[zippy25]

Love #1 and #2! I have never seen this bird before. Nice shots!

[Ed Rotberg]

Good to see you posting again Ed and this is very nice work. I have to agree that the second one is a killer image. Wonderful exposure, details,angle, perch, BG, composition that all comes together in this dream shot.The only thing missing is a little more light under the perch...super!

Thanks Gary. It was good to get out again! I need to do it more. And I should have set up the better beamer - it would certainly have helped. ;)

= Ed =

[Reyno]

Beautiful and well captured images as always Ed.

[downywp]

Beautiful shots of this very cool looking and beautiful bird, I would love to see one someday.:)

[kenyc]

Well done Ed!
KAC

[Ed Rotberg]

Just thought I'd add this one - it sorta makes me laugh.

"Whoah! Did you see that guy buzz me? The nerve!"
http://www.edrotberg.org/images/dpreview/Acorn%20Woodpecker%203-2.jpg

= Ed =

[zippy25]

Just thought I'd add this one - it sorta makes me laugh.

"Whoah! Did you see that guy buzz me? The nerve!"


= Ed =
What a look! That eyeball is incredible. Looks like he has had too much caffene!:D