We discovered a pileated woodpecker drilling in a tree in our backyard. What was I to do? Fetch my camera and snap some shots! I hand held my camera which wasn’t that great of an idea so when the opportunity arose, I went out to my car and retrieved my tripod. I used a 100-400 mm lens which wasn’t close enough. I added a 1.4x tele converter which allowed me some more reach but that cuts down on the light and makes the lens slower. I still wanted to get closer so I add a 2x converter which gave me a reach of about 800 mm. I thought snow pics would be good but that didn’t work out so well as the images were blurry. I have a really fast 300 mm lens so I will add my 2x converter, take some shots and see what I get. Standing out on the back deck in the cold watching one of my heavenly Father’s creatures do his thing is worthwhile and comforting. It reminds me how He always takes care of me just like He provides for this woodpecker.
I love hearing the drilling and seeing the bits of wood fly. Watching him from the picture window is true country living. He comes to work in the morning. He started with an elongated hole and now is working on a round hole just above the first one. I am hoping to see some baby woodpeckers this spring. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
Time for me to purchase a new lens! Canon is selling a 200-800 mm lens. I must save my money!
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