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Red-naped Sapsucker
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Red-naped Sapsucker

by Richard Ditch

Gallery: AvianPosted February 2, 2014138 views10 comments
Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis)

Place: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ
Date: December 18, 2013, 8:18 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority spot meter, ISO 1600, 1/125th sec @ f/8, natural light, no fill
Raw, PS CS3, Mac, 77% of frame
Not baited or called, no set up, no cloning

Red-naped Sapsucker is the western counterpart of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and like all sapsuckers is a quiet and shy species. I can see a few on any winter visit to this state park where they typically stay high, in cover, or on the back side of the tree. This particular bird was an exception, working a tree a few feet about eye level that stayed in place when I approached.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

10 comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on February 2, 2014 at 2:41 PM
Nice ! Great catch on this elusive species. Fine detail and habitat.
I'd personally get rid of the OOF dark branches around the bill.
Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 2, 2014 at 2:58 PM
A very nice, detailed image of an uncommon bird. With the bird in this position the comp is not easy but I think I would take a little off the left and add some on the right if you have it. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Robert Bunch on February 2, 2014 at 3:40 PM
Nice bird in habitat shot. :toast:
Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Marsh on February 2, 2014 at 4:05 PM
Very nice capture. The large image shows excellent sharpness and detail.
Bill
Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments
Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on February 2, 2014 at 7:36 PM
I really like the near upside down pose, the pastel leaves in the bg, and the needle like thorn on the left. Good details and exposure on what looks like a very difficult exposure. Sharon
Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments
Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on February 2, 2014 at 9:47 PM
A very good bird, Rich. Near-perfect exposure and techs. It might be a tiny bit centered, but I'd be delighted to have this shot.
Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 2, 2014 at 11:11 PM
Wonderful detail where it counts in the larger image. I do not think I have seen one of these in my area. Nice job in recognizing and approaching to get this shot.
Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on February 3, 2014 at 7:01 AM
Excellent as posted Rich. The colors, details, & exposure look good.
You pulled out a nice comp, great work at this s-speed & ISO.
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 3, 2014 at 12:43 PM
Excellent job on the exposure, Richard and a good job catching it in the open in such crowded surroundings.

:toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 6, 2014 at 11:24 AM
I love this eye level view of your Red-naped Sapsucker Rich! The habitat is wonderful as are the details, sharpness and composition!
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments