Well, we had a grand time this past week visiting the Big Bend area of southwest Texas. As most of you know, Ann and I visit that place on average of a couple of times each year. The sights there never fail to amaze us. The ever changing light in the canyons and mountains, to the varied wildlife that we come upon, whether it is beasts or birds.
On this trip, we hoped to time the bird migration so we might see a few new species. The winter population hadn’t started to arrive yet, so in one sense the bird numbers were down. On the other hand with the summer species that were still around and a few migratory ones that were traversing through we saw a total of 59 different birds. Of those we added three new “lifers”, birds that we had never seen before. Plus, I got some new photographs of birds that I had photographed on earlier occasions. The Acorn Woodpecker is a good example of that.
Acorn Woodpecker
My previous images of the Acorn Woodpecker were taken on a trip to Davis Mountains State Park a couple of years ago. Of those shots, they were nice close-ups but they were taken in a blind, where they were pictured at bird feeders. I think you will enjoy these two images as they were taken in the wild, up in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park.
Ann and I had driven up into the area that is referred to as the ‘Basin’. It is a valley type area at an elevation of about 5,000 feet, surrounded by mountain peaks. We parked in the lot by the lodge, and took a stroll down towards the Window Trail. The ‘Window’ being a V-shaped formation that looks out over the Chihuahuan Desert. Anyway, along the way there was a dead tree nearby, and the two woodpeckers were there. One of them was at the very top, the other down on a lower branch. I was very much surprised that I was able to get so close. I was using my Canon EOS 7D, with my 100-400mm lens.
I took a few shots from farther away at first, just to be safe and have something. Then progressively I moved a bit closer, then closer still, until I was only about 20 feet away. One thing in my favor, was the quietness of the area. There were no other people in sight. Probably because of the MOUNTAIN LION ALERT signs that were posted nearby. But it is naturally quiet up there anyway.
Acorn Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Stay tuned. In the upcoming few days, I will be posting more photos from our trip. I hope you will enjoy them.
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Consider it done, Johnnie. :-)
how lovely!
Thanks, Margo, I appreciate it. :-)
How cool! I can’t get over those eyes – so big and glass-like!! I’m glad it was a fun trip, looking forward to checking out your other posts (finally catching up)!! :)
Yeah, I love those eye, too. Reminds me of clown faces. Thanks, Holly. :-)
Beautiful shots, Bob. I love Acorn Woodpeckers. How fortunate you had a one-on-one with this bird.
Thanks a bunch. It was great fun, Lisa. I was amazed that I could get so close.
When you’re able to get that close, I suspect the birds can see themselves reflected in the lens and sometimes that attracts them to it.
Great photos Bob and congrats on the new lifers!
Many thanks, David.
Great shots, as usual – the last photo has an Audubon painting feel to it, maybe because of the pose. These aren’t Michigan birds, so I’m curious how big they are – closer to a Downy or to a Pileated?
Thanks, Sid. They are about 3 inches larger than a Downie, and at 9 inches, they are still less than half of a Pileated. I appreciate your compliments. I should have paid more attention when I was growing up in Michigan. :-)
I like these shots and I like them a lot Bob – all three of them. Looking forward to more from your trip. Welcome home!
Thanks, Ron. I could have spent another hour there photographing them. They seemed unaware of me, and they are so funny.
Wow! What a beauty! Can I add it to my first sightings list? lol
Hey, it’s alright with me. Thanks for the compliment, Melissa.
A beautiful woodpecker! Congrats on the three new “lifers” Bob!
Thanks, Donna. I appreciate it very much. :-)
Just superb photos, Bob – the woodpeckers could not have chosen a more photogenic tree for you! And what beautiful plumage. I hope you were keeping watch for the mountain lions, though!
Thank you so much, Jo. Your comments mean a lot. Yes, we were really watching for the mountain lions.
Love these! My winter job will be at Death Valley. It’s not quite Big Bend, but probably will have many similarities.
Thanks, Cindy. Will you be working for the Nat’l Park Service in Death Valley. As far as similarities, I do know that it is much hotter there.
Great shots of this lovely woodpecker, Bob.
Thanks, Jane, I appreciate it.
Again, Bob and Big Bend do not disappoint.
Thanks, Toby, still more to come. :-)
Very nice compositions, Bob. Dead trees and colorful woodpeckers go so well together, both biologically and pictorially, and you show that perfectly here.
Thanks, Dwynn. I appreciate your kind comments about my work.
These birds are so unique..we don’t have them here in Pagosa Country..we do have the mountain lions..take care and anxiously awaiting your new photos..
You said it – they are definitely unique. Thanks for your comment, Syl.
Glad you had a good time at Big Bend. Looking forward to reading about it. I was just telling Carol this morning that you would be back this weekend. The Acorn Woodpecker is to me the most comical looking woodpecker. Nice pics.
Thanks, Dave for your comment. I was going to wait a day or two before I posted, but I was too excited. I agree with you. Those woodpeckers look like little clowns. :-)
Wonderful images Bob! It sounds like you and Ann had a great trip and I look forward to seeing more images.
Thanks, Mia. I always appreciate your kind comments.
Hi Bob – beautiful photos of this colorful bird! Glad you got to add more lifers to your list!
Thanks very much, Karen. I always appreciate your kind words.