LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, July 2, 2012

Behind the Branches


We are blessed to have so many birds in our woods and are often treated to the sight of the parents feeding the fledglings.  Since the birds come at different times each day, catching a photograph is more luck than skill.  The other day I happened to have my camera...with the right lens on it...and I saw two Pileated Woodpeckers fly to the tree.  Finally I would be able to capture the feeding.


This baby Pileated Woodpecker sits and waits for the parent to bring some food.




I've got the camera at the ready.
Want to see this baby fed?





So did I.  But the two birds climbed just high enough in the tree.
So here's nothing but branches and the tail end of a bird.





Perhaps this shot of the Downy Woodpecker feeding its fledgling will suffice.


People who watch birds know that the best bird is always on the other side of the tree.  But just knowing it's there is sometimes enough.

The number of people in harm's way seems to be growing.  Now we add those in peril from the dangerously high temperatures, many without power from the storms.  Our thoughts are with them along with those affected by the western wildfires and the residual floodwaters in Florida.



15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely pics. Nice to see those woodpecker parents taking care of their young. It's always so sweet to watch their attentiveness. Haven't seen any of the pileated babies here.

I have family in Virginia. My brother had power restored late Saturday, but a cousin in Blacksburg is still without. The relentless heat is pretty scary stuff.

Cheryl said...

Lovely to see your Woodpeckers. I am rarely able to capture images of the ones that frequent the garden. For me personally, knowing they are there is enough.

My heart goes out to all those worldwide that are suffering extremes of weather. The world is changing......

Taradharma said...

great birds! I'm always amazed when anybody can capture them on camera -- they move too quickly for me.

was talking with my pal in Chapel Hill this morning, an elderly gent, who reported that it was 100 in the shade yesterday late MORNING when he thought he could get some walking in. Glad he changed his mind. I especially worry about the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions in this heat.

George said...

I completely agree that the best bird is always on the other side of the tree, but I appreciate your attempt to get a picture of the young Pileated being fed. You did get a great picture of the Downys, however.

Karin said...

Well, I wouldn't want anyone watching me eat either - especially trying to take pictures! Just kidding! Always exciting to bird watch! Glad to see you got a great one of the Downys!

So sad for all those who are suffering with all these bad weather situations. That heat has me scared for the most vulnerable.

Ms. A said...

Great shots and I can't help chuckling at your frustration over not being able to get just the shot you want. It'll happen, eventually, I'm sure!

Arkansas Patti said...

I love the Pileateds and wish I could see some here. She sure was careful not to let the paparazzi capture the baby.
The Downy wasn't so particular. Nice shots.

Busy Bee Suz said...

So funny...they are cute but not very cooperative for the photographer in you!
My heart breaks for all those affected by the storms and the heat. Praying that all will be relieved soon!

My Mind's Eye said...

Mom has never seen a Pileated in person but Dad has. Excellent shot.

Your Downy pictures are precious.

We've had a lot of juvenile birds this year too. Some we've never seen as babies. Especially the Rufous sided towhees, and Yellow shafted flickers. We've had 2 broods of Bluebirds hatch and fledge too
Hugs Madi and Mom

Lise said...

So awesome that you can see the feeding happening!

Janie said...

It's true, those really great photos are always well hidden from the camera! Very nice shots of the woodpeckers, though.

Barb said...

Wildlife has a way of not cooperating. I do like the Pileated shot - I get many critters but not a wide variety of birds here at altitude. Happy 4th!

Vicki Lane said...

Wonderful shots in spite of the lack of cooperation!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Wow, your bird pictures are fantastic. One of the pleasures of living in the mountains is the birds. They wake us up in the morning and we love that. Even during the day when we sit on our porch, we can hear various birds.

Happy 4th of July.
Sam

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Love the Pileated!! And love the Downy! We enjoy watching the birds.