Another relatively quiet day today. There was little to report at the pond this morning, and at lunchtime I was pressed for time so took a short walk around the playing fields towards the rear of the campus. It's not an area I visit frequently, but even on a grey day it proved worthwhile.
A kestrel was out hunting over some nearby fields, and briefly ventured close enough for a passable shot.
It was while I was watching the kestrel that another bird caught my eye. The unmistakeable flash of a woodpecker skimming low over the grass. Yes, the green woodpeckers are active. They are generally very shy and this one headed to the far end of the playing fields as soon as I laid eyes on it. My camera finally caught it up as it was coming down to land.
A quick check of the sign and it knew it ok to settle down. 😉
I'm told that there are several more woodpeckers in the woods that abut this area, so – weather and light permitting – I may take another look tomorrow.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
derWandersmann
26 Oct 2012Pretty bird, Words.
SittingFox
26 Oct 2012If it had disliked the sign, it could probably have drilled holes in it :whistle:
Words
26 Oct 2012Adele, at which point they'd have added a 'no drilling' sign, I'm sure 😉
Words
26 Oct 2012dW, thanks! I saw the woodpecker again today, but it was too quick for the camera.
gdare
27 Oct 2012No golf, no dogs…. perfect place!!! 😀
Wulpen
28 Oct 2012Nice moments shots….
Words
30 Oct 2012Darko, my thoughts exactly. I like dogs, but not when I'm out with a camera.
Words
30 Oct 2012Erwin, thanks!
ICU109
8 Nov 2012very careful I see not to "Play" on the field. posing nicely though. never saw one like this obviously. just the downy woodpecker.
Words
9 Nov 2012Kathy, this is the larger of our native woodpeckers. They mainly feed on the ground (they dig up ant nests).
ICU109
18 Dec 2012hmmm yum