Lewis’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) photos by Larry Jordan
Lewis’s Woodpeckers (Melanerpes lewis) usually begin their molt in autumn and it can last through the winter. The bird above appears to be molting (click on photos for full sized images).
I noticed that they had returned from their breeding grounds a few weeks ago and were showing up in fairly large numbers among the large oaks along the rural route I take to work each morning.
They have a distinctive plumage and show conspicuous insect hawking behavior from the tree tops, easily seen from the roadway.
These images were taken with my digiscoping setup and I was fortunate to catch this bird as it took off from its perch.
I also shot some video of a couple of Lewis’s Woodpeckers, one foraging, possibly on acorns, in an oak tree and another (the bird pictured in the top photo) that was preening in a snag.
You will hear several other species of birds in the background including the California Quail, Western Scrub-Jay, Northern Flicker, White-breasted Nuthatch and the high pitched chatter of the Lewis’s Woodpecker.
To see more great bird photos, check out The Bird D’pot and Wild Bird Wednesday!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
very pretty birds. i like their magenta-colored face!
TexWisGirl´s last post ..For Halloween
You get a lot of birds I don’t see, I’m surprised our habitats are that different.
Martha Z´s last post ..Territorial Dispute
Beautiful woodpecker! Great shots, Larry!
Lovely shots, Larry!! What a beautiful bird.
Liz´s last post ..Wild Bird Wednesday: Osprey Catch of the Day
Lovely in flight shots, and great colouring on the woodys.
Adam Jones´s last post ..Let me out, please!
Brilliant photos catching the bird in the air like that!
Mick´s last post ..Retrospective
He looks much bigger than our woodpeckers, how big is it compared to something like a Jackdaw. From Findlay
Findlay´s last post ..The Importance of Feet!
I would never have guessed this to be a woodpecker. You find the most interesting birds. Thanks for getting all the shots and for the info. Enjoyed the video also.
Gail´s last post ..Autumn on Hoo Shoo Too
I’ve not seen one like this, ever!!! The last one in flight is just awesome.
Fantastic images of a great bird!!!
I’d Rather B Birdin [Anni]´s last post ..Stranger on the Shore…
Great captures!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Boom & Gary´s last post ..A New Trail, Or More Exciting Adventures At The Vermilon River. .
Great shots of this beautiful bird!! Another new bird to me…/Susanne
fjällripan´s last post ..Charmiga sidensvansar
What beautifully marked birds and it is so nice when a bird perches so nicely within our sights. That makes photographing them so much easier~
Mary Howell Cromer´s last post ..Welcome to the Rocky Mountains National Park~
Beautiful birds! I love that flight shot.
Pat´s last post ..Among the Flowers
Great capture!
Modesto Viegas (Portugal)´s last post ..Raposa
I have never seen a Lewis’s Woodpecker. What an amazing bird. Very beautiful shots as well.
Beautiful photos love the video.
Neil´s last post ..Birds of Prey at Mary Glen.
Great looking bird! I’m going to have to give digi-scoping a go – as I have a similar scope and camera body.
Thanks for linking to WBW
Stewart M – Australia
Stewart M´s last post ..Wild Bird Wednesday 16 – Kookaburra
What a stunning Woodpecker – very nice colors.
You are lucky to get those kind of birds on your way to work!
These are gorgeous Woodpeckers, I hope to have some opportunities with them this winter.
Mia McPherson´s last post ..Grazing American Bison Bull
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