Three-toed Woodpeckers

As you may know, most woodpeckers have four toes. The American Three-toed and the Black-backed Woodpecker have only three. I had never photographed an American Three-toed before, but as we had record-breaking warm temperatures last Sunday, we went looking for and found one. It was a great day in many respects. Their range across the North American north and Rocky Mountain areas is quite large, but like the Black-backed, they are no where common. In fact, the American is even more elusive than the seldom-seen Black-back. I'm including a Black-backed shot from earlier this summer for comparison purposes. Oddly enough, they were both photographed within a quarter mile of one another, seven and a half months apart. They are both males and handsome devils at that.

Congrats to you Al on catching both of them. Beautiful shots especially number two. Well done indeed!

Good stuff.

Oldjackssparrows wrote in post #18185311
Congrats to you Al on catching both of them. Beautiful shots especially number two. Well done indeed!

Mel-S wrote in post #18185314
Good stuff.

Thank you, Bret and Mel, for taking the time to comment; I appreciate it.

Very nice Al, I have seen and shot the Black back here but never have I had the chance to get as good a shot,..

Pondrader wrote in post #18186020
Very nice Al, I have seen and shot the Black back here but never have I had the chance to get as good a shot,..

Thanks, Jeff. We found a BBWP nest this year and had a great time photographing it.