Red-Naped Sapsucker

Gallery: AvianPosted July 2, 2010131 views15 comments

I noticed a pair of Red-Naped sapsuckers in a busy campground in Glacier National Park. They were used to people and tolerated my presence very well. I found them about an hour before I had to leave for home, and lighting was a challenge with a bright background in the late morning.
D90, 300f4, 1/160, f7.1, iso 320, camera body flash at -0.7.
Thanks for looking. Larger version included. All comments appreciated.

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on July 2, 2010 at 2:34 AM

Dan, this is wonderful - looks like a fine oil painting. No filters used?
Really nice detail and the subtle, complimentary colors works just great.
I'd suggest perhaps healing the edges of the dark area below the bird so they blend in a bit more.

Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by David Hemmings on July 2, 2010 at 9:31 AM

Great shot especially considering the challenging light.

Registered on May 26, 2006, 178 Posts, 1680 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on July 2, 2010 at 9:46 AM

Nice clear view of this woodpecker. Excellent detail. For my tastes the flash is a bit overpowering here.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on July 2, 2010 at 10:07 AM

I saw my first one of these last fall in the Tetons, but it was definitely not this close. Good job taking advantage of a cooperative bird. I like the sharp detail and the perch is interesting too.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by denise ippolito on July 2, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Dan, Very nice details and I like the comp. I think you worked the lighting well.

Registered on December 17, 2009, 202 Posts, 1529 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on July 2, 2010 at 11:14 AM

Excellent, Dan! However, I'd have to agree that -0.7 flash is a bit too much. However, since you used the camera body flash and I have not done that, I am not really qualified to critique too much on this point.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on July 2, 2010 at 11:37 AM

Really awesome colors and a nice perch. I'd try darkening the BG a little bit

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 2, 2010 at 1:47 PM

Gorgeous bird and nice detail here Dan, it looks a little overflashed to me as well.

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

Comment posted by Craig Strand on July 2, 2010 at 3:07 PM

Beautiful capture Dan. I love the pose, colors and detail as seen best in your larger version. Really well done!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on July 2, 2010 at 7:51 PM

Oh my goodness, what a magnificent shot of a gorgeous bird! Really impressive composition and detail. I've been dreaming of even seeing these birds much less getting such a pristine image.

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on July 3, 2010 at 7:06 AM

I love this Dan, as presented. The background is unique and really appeals to me. The bird has nice detail. I know virtually nothing about flash so I'll leave that aspect to others.

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

Comment posted by Steve Balke on July 4, 2010 at 8:29 AM

Looks fine to me as posted, Dan. I would not "normalize" the dark areas. I don't find them distracting: just a bit unusual.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by antino cervigni on July 4, 2010 at 1:51 PM

Excellent shot!!! Regards Antino

Registered on April 17, 2010, 70 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 11, 2010 at 12:42 PM

This is a beautiful woodpecker Dan, really enjoyed the plumage details & colors in that LP.
Very well done!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on January 17, 2011 at 11:27 PM

I just found this image. And glad I did. The detail is stunning. Bird is perfect and I like the yellow moss on the try.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments