Over the Christmas break, I thought I had seen a Northern Flicker flying around the yard. Then one day I was sure I had seen one on a perch by the feeders. I know they are considered a common bird but they are difficult to get good glass on…..until recently!
I wish I could blend these two images into one. If you look closely at the tail feathers for the bird facing right, you will see a yellow tint. The east coast variety of Northern Flicker is called yellow shaft due to the yellow feathers. The eastern version also has a red crescent on its nape, which the west coast version does not.
Which of the 2 images do you like best?
Images captured with Nikon D700, 600mm f/4 w/TC-e17 II on Lexar Digital Film
Vincent, I love the top image. Sharp, nice pose and a beautiful BG!
Thanks Denise, I really wish I were able to capture the red nape and the yellow tint in the tail feathers in one image. I guess I will have to keep trying, one of the beauties of photography, you can always do better!
Both are lovely. I like the yellow tail in the top one, but the head in the bottom. Maybe you could photoshop them.
Thanks Robert. I could certainly photoshop the 2 but I don’t photoshop any of my wildlife images, I follow photojournalism standards when it comes to chronicling wildlife.
Best, V