Bogey bird

Does anyone else have bogey birds? By the term I mean relatively common species that you may see very easily, but somehow never quite manage to photograph. Long tailed tits, redwings and fieldfares are three of mine, and so, until the weekend, was green woodpecker. We were staying with friends in Ashtead, Surrey and had returned home slightly ahead of them. This woodpecker was anting on one of their neighbour's lawns, and let us drive by, park and get the camera out, and then drive back and take a number of shots.

OK, I know it isn't the finest of shots (apart from anything else the light was appalling), but after many years I feel that a jinx has been broken

Details:
Nikon D200 with 50-500mm Sigma at 500mm
A fortnight @ f6.3 rated at 400asa (OK, maybe it was 1/160th in reality)
Contrast and levels both lifted in Photoshop. Slight cropping to improve composition

Thanks for looking.

David

I agree with what you said. I see them often but never ever managed to get a decent image of a green woodpecker. Well done, light looks a bit flat as you stated but for sure a good image!
Rene de Heer

David, Know exactly what you mean - I have the same problem with a green woody that very rarely visits my garden and a sparrowhawk that dives in after the goldfinches/tits and disappears in an instant. Under the circumstances I think this is a very good effort, so well done! Cliff

David, my bogey bird too and I'd have been happy with this. Shame about the light.

Regards

Jon

We have three pairs around the farm all the time but I still can't get the shot I want. This is what I want !
Well done.
JR

You don't want to see my bogey list David

And yes, this is one of them

Classic GW shot

Nice shot, considering the light. I like the way you can see the mud on his beak! A lift in levels/contrast might improve it. But still a lovely shot, I can never seem to get anywhere near these birds.

I used to see these all the time when I lived in the valleys but down here I've seen two in 4 years. Ironically, one was in my neighbours garden a couple of monthe back much to our surprise. Suffice to say it hasn't returned.
A good shot, typical Greeny pose.
Robert.

Lovely picture and great pose. You did very well

Sandra

Plenty! This being one of them. I have only ever seen them when I have been photographing peoples property. A difficult bird to get close to with a 16mm lens on the camera. You did well to get one to stay in one place. Looks like a slight lift in levels or curves could could help get counteract the dull light. Could possibly use an extra pass of unsharp mask.

John Lee

I've only ever seen one - at least I'm told it was, half a mile away! I think you did extremely well here.

I wouldnt say its a bogey bird David but its still one I havnt got a decent enough image of.
Great chance for you and well taken.

Major.

I generally find it easier to list the ones I don't have trouble with. It saves no end of ink.
I'd take any shot of a GW and this one is no exception. I reckon you could brighten it up a bit fairly easily as well.
Eric