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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

June Juveniles

A family of red-bellied woodpeckers are frequent visitors to our feeders. Before I see them, they loudly announce their presence with distinctive churr churr calls. The babes prefer seed cake and suet while the parents go for the peanuts.


The downy woodpeckers are also big on announcing themselves in advance of appearing. They make a series of high-pitched pik pik sounds. I always respond with "Well, hello to you, Mr. Downy!"


Keeping these birds fed is getting expensive! I guess it's cheaper than shopping at the mall or going to the movies, AND so much more rewarding. :)

All shots taken in June with the 400mm lens, except the last shot which was taken in July.

 EDIT 3:00PM: Going on an impromptu fishing trip with my dad in Mississippi. I will return tomorrow (Thurs, 9/26) evening. Y'all be good!

29 comments:

  1. Optimistic ExistentialistSeptember 25, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    I love these amazing woodpecker picks!!

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  2. Optimistic ExistentialistSeptember 25, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    *pics

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  3. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmSeptember 25, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    It does get expensive. There have been times in the winter I've wanted to buy seed but couldn't fit it in our tight budget. I do when I can though - it is rewarding!

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Great shots of these wonderful woodpeckers. We had to stop putting out the suet they love because of the 'infestation' of grackles and starlings. Will resume later in the fall.

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  5. UnknownSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Oh how I'm going to love your blog. I love great photos....especially of nature!

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  6. StephanieSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    These birds are stunning, Gail. I love the design on their wings :) Have a great day! Hugs

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  7. KarenSeptember 25, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    Terrific captures Gail! Love the "expression" on the Downie's face.

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  8. renae September 25, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    Wow this guy is impressive or at least your photos of him are impressive! Take care dear friend ~ (hug)

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  9. hootnonnySeptember 25, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    Nice, Gail, and you didn't have to leave home! Love their markings!

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  10. Phil SladeSeptember 25, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    To get pictures like those Gail, I would think of the cost of feed as an investment.

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  11. TexWisGirlSeptember 25, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    the young red-bellies look so naked with their gray heads. :)

    i agree - very expensive, yet it is one of my pleasures i hope to never give up...

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  12. UnknownSeptember 25, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    Your photos are always so amazing, I LOVE these. My Mother in-law used to spend a couple of hundred a month in bird seed. She says its a small price to pay for the pleasure she gets from it..

    Hugs~

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  13. HilarySeptember 25, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Gotta love those sweet baby faces. We have a Hairy woodpecker who visits regularly at my new place. I just need to be there more regularly myself. Lovely photos, Gail.. Great to see you posting.

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  14. KerrySeptember 25, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    I love these guys; what nice shots you managed to get. It's amazing how much food they go through, isn't it?
    Have fun fishing!

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  15. DonnaSeptember 25, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    Adorable and I agree, it is worth it to keep these young ones fed.

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  16. eileeninmdSeptember 25, 2013 at 4:38 PM

    You gotta love the juvies, they are so darn cute! Great photos, Gail!

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  17. Brian KingSeptember 25, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    How cool! We've never had juveniles of either species visit. The Red-bellied looks especially funny! Great photos!

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  18. Sallie (FullTime-Life)September 25, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    I'm delighted that you're posting pictures you took during your summer off ;>) (that made it sound like blogging is a job and it shouldn't be ...but you know what I mean)....

    The woodpeckers are wonderful....and fantastic to get juvies.

    Fishing trip sounds wonderful. We're at the Coast crabbing....I do this instead of read while we're waiting for tide to turn and go pick up the pots.

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  19. CarlettaSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    Wonderful captures!
    The expense is sometimes greater than I'd like but as you mentioned it is rewarding.
    The hummers seem to have gone so I'm taking that feeder down and putting up suet once again (I don't in the summer). This week a downy has been pecking on my house so it's less expensive to put up suet than worry about wholes in my clapboards. :)
    Have a wonderful fishing trip!

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  20. Linda at To Behold The BeautySeptember 25, 2013 at 8:57 PM

    Wow! These are so sharp, with so much detail. Just beautiful! Hope you have had a great day with your dad.

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  21. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    Much more rewarding! I love their feathers - they remind me of Frankie! Have fun fishing!

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  22. IndraniSeptember 26, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    Wonderful captures! They seem to be on their own very fast!

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  23. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Enjoy your trip!

    Nice shots of the birds.

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  24. Chatty CroneSeptember 26, 2013 at 8:49 PM

    I loved seeing them so up close and personal!

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  25. TriciaSeptember 26, 2013 at 9:39 PM

    Great shots! Enjoy your getaway :)

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  26. Our photosSeptember 26, 2013 at 11:27 PM

    Beautiful photos!
    Greetings, RW & SK

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  27. PallaviSeptember 27, 2013 at 1:02 AM

    Beautiful Pictures Gail :)

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  28. EG CameraGirlSeptember 27, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Wonderful photos, Gail. Yep, feeding the birds is definitely expensive...but I do agree it's worth it, especially here in the Greater Toronto Area in Winter. Birds enliven the winter landscape soooo much! ;)

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  29. SuzanSeptember 28, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Boy gail!! You sure have those feather friends of yours spoiled!! Better be careful and not forget them or they'll be pecking at your back door!! Love how close you appear!! As always - amazing!!

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