A Black-backed Woodpecker Family

This past week has been a busy one in the field. Each day I have been on "junkets" in different habitat... chasing Winter Wrens, returning to a sunrise at the Sharp-tailed Grouse lek and running into feeding Black-backed Woodpeckers.
I always find it fortunate to find one of these woodpeckers... last month I posted a male Black-backed and this week I found by accident, two females in the same area where the male was photographed.
I spent many hours watching these two over a three day period. They became used to my presence and I got very close to them. I am sure one of them is a first year bird and an offspring of the other female.
The male pictured was taken a few weeks ago in the same area... I did not see him this week. I am hoping they stay in the area as I have never found a Black-backed nest.

Mother Black-backed

Wow..............

amazing, really like 3, 5 and 7

Excellent set on this rare Woodpecker.

Great series. Good detail and great color ok, great contrast.

BGgraphy wrote in post #14271529
Wow..............

Thank you Bret........

Another great series, Dave; how fortunate you have been with these uncommon woodpeckers of late; they are certainly beautiful birds. I actually found a black-back nest back in the 70s, east of Ely. I regret not reporting it to the MOU, as I think it was probably a rare find.
Al

Very cool! Will they come to suet feeders, or do they just stick to the trees? Do they like peanuts, like every other woodpecker I've ever met? I got one photo of a female once at Sax Zim, but it would be cool to get up close and personal with them like this!

Very cool set, Dave. Their environment is so picturesque too. Lucky guy to have found these!

That's a fantastic set Dave, really enjoyed looking at them

Dave, what a story your photographs tell. It would be so easy to get superfluous and believe you me it is tempting, but all I will say is that this post is a real good reason to join in on the wonderful goings on in the Bird forums at POTN. It is priceless and a big addition to why I'm grateful to have found this place. Thank you so much for posting this.

A fantastic catch, Dave. Good for you. Your dedication has certainly paid off.

I'm really taken by the appearance of these woodpeckers Dave.
The little "racing stripe" across the face makes them look so unique, as does the black back...obviously. I think your best portraits are of the young lady in #s 6 & 7. She's just a cutie.
You've been doing yeomans duty tracking and finding these and for that we should all be thankful. Outstanding job!

Great stuff, there. Love the shot with the grub

Great series. Just goes to show that patience and perseverance pays off. I don't think we have these guys in our area. Thanks for sharing.