Red-naped Sapsucker

Gallery: AvianPosted April 7, 2012167 views10 comments

Red-naped Sapsucker ( Sphyrapicus nuchalis)

Place: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, AZ
Date: February 23, 2008, 8:18 am
Equipment: Nikon D70, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), Gitzo 1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick, SB-800
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered. ISO 400, 1/60th at f/5.6, fill flash
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 84% of frame
No set up, no bait, no tape

A "lost" image that I rediscovered while preparing a program for the Arboretum.

Sapsuckers are more cryptic in plumage and more secretive than other woodpeckers, so they often escape notice. The Red-naped Sapsucker winters at the lower elevations of Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where I see them on most visits. But I seldom get a chance to photograph one.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. If possible please view large image before commenting.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on April 7, 2012 at 4:12 PM

A lovely image of a classic woodpecker pose, Richard. Excellent detail in the bird. The OOF object across the lower left third is a bit of a distraction, but I think the image is strong enough to overcome the nit.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on April 7, 2012 at 9:41 PM

I like the bird (

) and especially the perch, and the perfect position for this bird. The oof area on the left is a minor nit, but still a keeper.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on April 8, 2012 at 4:13 AM

Not being experienced in birding I hesitate almost every time to comment on the capture itself, but it seems to me that it must have been very difficult to get this image, yet the bird is as detailed as if it had posed for you.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on April 8, 2012 at 8:42 AM

I like the composition as posted Rich-very nice detail in the bird and neat to see the nape so well.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on April 8, 2012 at 8:46 AM

nice angle and comp, Rich. details look really good. the oof stuff is pretty minor to me.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 8, 2012 at 7:01 PM

A great perspective on this sapsucker Rich. I agree, the OOF area cutting across the tail is not optimal, but still a great shot.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 8, 2012 at 10:24 PM

Superb detail and a nice typical pose, Richard. The oof foreground branch is a bit unfortunate, but still a very nice image.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 9, 2012 at 12:18 AM

A really nice look at this fellow. Not so sure about the off branch across the image - to me, it detracts a lot.
How about a head shot from this image?

Sandy

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on April 9, 2012 at 4:39 PM

Wonderful detail where it counts. I like the pose and the color of the wood seems to compliment the background color for me. I spent a couple of hours trying to get a picture of one (the only one I have ever sighted) and never even came close but it was cool just to see one. Always nice to discover a lost image this good, well done Rich.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on April 10, 2012 at 8:14 PM

Excellent detail even in the dark feathers, I like the diagonal of the shot.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments