Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 28, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Hanging out with birders can be fun, sometimes.
These are from RMNP at the end of June, my first opportunity to photograph woodpeckers.
This parent was returning to the nest to feed every ~30 minutes, so that presented plenty of opportunities to fill up memory cards.
ANY comments & critique welcome.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 28, 2009 at 4:43 PM
2
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 28, 2009 at 4:44 PM
3
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 28, 2009 at 4:45 PM
4
2 days later the chicks had fledged and the nest was empty.
Wow, how did you hold on to these for so long without posting them? These are great Bill!
Posted by Don Grall on January 28, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Great job, especially liked #1 and #4. 2 & 3 could have benefited from some flash fill.
This nest was early compared to ones I've photographed in mid-July, you're fortunate to have found it when you did.
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 28, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Great shots (esp. #1 & #4), but shouldn't these be posted on a Flickr account?
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 28, 2009 at 5:46 PM
And then there's this:
MOTHER FLICKER!
Posted by John Mumaw on January 28, 2009 at 5:54 PM
#1 & #4 are superb! Wouldn't mind seeing a catch light in the baby's eye.
Posted by Brent Murphy on January 28, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I'm sure I would like these shots more, especially #1 and #4, except I hate flickers. Damn things keep putting holes in the side of my house.
Posted by bill meikle on January 28, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Bill, excellent work, note that the major international nature competitions are open for 2009 entries now until March I think. Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature's Best Magazine. Not to mention National Wildlife Magazine nwf.org I think.
Good luck.
Posted by Nick Moore on January 28, 2009 at 7:56 PM
This are all very nice Bill, I really like #1 and #4!.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on January 28, 2009 at 9:41 PM
These are beautiful, Bill! Great work.
Posted by Don George on January 28, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Bill, great images! These are the moments that make it worthwhile.
Posted by John Klotz on January 29, 2009 at 1:19 AM
Great work Bill!!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 29, 2009 at 3:19 AM
I appreciate your feedback, everyone.
So far #1 and #4 are the overwhelming favorites. #2 and #3 taken in rather harsh midday light.
I returned a few days later in the morning and had much better filtered light for #1 and #4.
Wow, how did you hold on to these for so long without posting them?
Erik, I said they were shot in June. I didn't tell you which YEAR.
Actually, I wasn't happy with my processing, so the folder was set aside.
2 & 3 could have benefited from some flash fill.
Don, I agree, flash fill should have been used to even out the harsh light.
I really should force myself to bring it along, but I really hate hiking very far with a flash & Better Beamer mounted on a 500mm + Wimberly. I know I'm going to snap off that flash head on the frist branch.
I hate flickers. Damn things keep putting holes in the side of my house.
Brent, I never saw them in town, and didn't realize there was a problem, until this summer, when I couldn't figure out the high frequency pounding on the livving room wall. He didn't stick around for a picture and never returned. I guess I should be happy!
Wouldn't mind seeing a catch light in the baby's eye.
Yes, John,, one more reason to carry that flash.
Posted by Stan Rose on January 29, 2009 at 7:30 AM
Fantastic shots, Bill, i really like that first one especially!
Posted by Paul Beiser on January 29, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Bill,
I love these, esp that first one. Way to go.
Posted by Jeremy Week on January 29, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Great shots Bill! My favorites are #1 and #4. The background on #1 is very complementary to the bird.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on January 29, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I really like thee Bill. I especially like the intimate feel of the first two, but the light is better on one and four.
Posted by Jim Caffrey on January 29, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Beautiful work Bill. I have to agree with everyone else–#1 & #4. I've been thinking about trying to develop some patience and start doing some avian photography myself. These are a great inspiration. Thanks!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 29, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, guys.
Jim, I'm thrilled these were of some inspiration.
It's helpful hanging out with some birders. In this case, I had NO idea of when, where, or how to find a woodpecker nest. Random luck doesn't get you very far.
Also, since you are in NM, be sure to put Bosque del Apache at the top of your list.
I can't think of a better place to start avian photography, especially birds-in-flight shots.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 29, 2009 at 11:43 PM
These are the moments that make it worthwhile.
Don, one or two mornings like this per year keep my interest high, even if I don't get an image.
Posted by Don Grall on January 30, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Re: Flickers and holes in the siding. Funny story, back when I lived in Col Spgs, we had a flicker boring a hole in an eave. After a few days of this(right by the bedroom), I got a ladder and placed a thin metal plate over the excavation, then painted it the same color as the surrouding wood, a very dark brown. The next morning (it always came only in the morning) it arrived, did 2 quick pecks which made a metallic thud sound, and flew away, never to return. He probably bent his beak a bit!
Posted by Guy Schmickle on January 30, 2009 at 1:03 PM
What some great shots, Bill. I found a Flicker nest in the woods a short walking distance from my house early last summer. Went there every day for more than a week, but couldn't get that shot of a parent feeding its young (though I could hear them squawking in the nest). I even dragged out my blind for a couple mornings and still got shut out. Hopefully, I'll get another chance this summer. You did great here.
Posted by Dan Walters on February 1, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Discussion
25 repliesThese are from RMNP at the end of June, my first opportunity to photograph woodpeckers.
This parent was returning to the nest to feed every ~30 minutes, so that presented plenty of opportunities to fill up memory cards.
ANY comments & critique welcome.
2 days later the chicks had fledged and the nest was empty.
This nest was early compared to ones I've photographed in mid-July, you're fortunate to have found it when you did.
MOTHER FLICKER!
Good luck.
So far #1 and #4 are the overwhelming favorites. #2 and #3 taken in rather harsh midday light.
I returned a few days later in the morning and had much better filtered light for #1 and #4.
Erik, I said they were shot in June. I didn't tell you which YEAR.
Actually, I wasn't happy with my processing, so the folder was set aside.
Don, I agree, flash fill should have been used to even out the harsh light.
I really should force myself to bring it along, but I really hate hiking very far with a flash & Better Beamer mounted on a 500mm + Wimberly. I know I'm going to snap off that flash head on the frist branch.
Brent, I never saw them in town, and didn't realize there was a problem, until this summer, when I couldn't figure out the high frequency pounding on the livving room wall. He didn't stick around for a picture and never returned. I guess I should be happy!
Yes, John,, one more reason to carry that flash.
I love these, esp that first one. Way to go.
Jim, I'm thrilled these were of some inspiration.
It's helpful hanging out with some birders. In this case, I had NO idea of when, where, or how to find a woodpecker nest. Random luck doesn't get you very far.
Also, since you are in NM, be sure to put Bosque del Apache at the top of your list.
I can't think of a better place to start avian photography, especially birds-in-flight shots.
Don, one or two mornings like this per year keep my interest high, even if I don't get an image.