A Rainy Day Delight: Backyard Bird Photography in Arkansas

Yesterday, I woke up to the soothing sound of rain, a much-needed respite from the dry spell we’ve been experiencing here in Arkansas. It wasn’t just any rain, but a nice, steady drizzle that promised to last a few hours, soaking the thirsty ground and refreshing the air.

Morning Visitors: Birds at the Feeder

As daylight broke, I noticed an uptick in bird activity near my feeders. It seems the birds were as pleased with the rain as I was, flitting about eagerly in search of breakfast. Armed with my camera, I decided to take advantage of the soft, diffused light from the overcast sky and capture some moments from my deck.

Downy Woodpecker: A Curious Observer

The young Downy Woodpeckers were my first subjects of the day once the rain stopped and the light improved. One particular Downy caught my eye as it perched on a wet vine above the feeder filled with sunflower seeds. Interestingly, it wasn’t interested in the seeds. Instead, it seemed captivated by something in the flowers planted below. After a bit of searching among the blossoms, it moved over to the suet feeder and began eating. Watching this little bird’s behavior was a delight and a great start to my photography session.

Northern Cardinal: A Molting Marvel

Next, I focused on a male Northern Cardinal perched in a nearby oak tree. This cardinal was in the midst of molting some of its head feathers, a process that happens annually, usually in late summer after the breeding season. Molting allows birds to replace their worn-out feathers with new ones. Some cardinals lose all their head feathers at once, resulting in a temporarily bald appearance that exposes their grayish skin. It’s quite a sight and lasts about a week before new feathers grow back. Capturing this moment added a unique element to my collection.

Afternoon Surprise: Young Red-headed Woodpeckers

Later in the day, while my friend Mia was enjoying the birds from the deck, she spotted a young Red-headed Woodpecker in one of the nearby trees. With her help, I managed to find not one but two juveniles. This was my first time photographing young Red-headed Woodpeckers in my yard, making it a special moment indeed.

Young Red-headed Woodpeckers look quite different from their adult counterparts. While adults have striking crimson heads, juveniles sport dark brown to black heads with a hint of pale red on their cheeks. These young birds fledge at around 27–30 days old but often stay with their parents for a while, learning to forage and roost before venturing off to establish their own territories.

Seeing these woodpeckers in my yard felt particularly significant given their declining population in Arkansas and beyond. Habitat loss and changes in food supply have made it increasingly challenging for these birds to survive, making each sighting precious.

Reflecting on the Day

All in all, it was another fantastic day of bird photography in my backyard. The rain brought out a lively crowd, and I learned more about the behaviors and characteristics of the birds that visit my feeders. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love wildlife photography so much – every day brings new discoveries and the chance to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

If you’re a fellow bird enthusiast or just someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, I encourage you to take a closer look at the wildlife in your own backyard. You never know what fascinating creatures you might find!

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my rainy day bird-watching adventure. Stay tuned for more stories and photos from my wildlife photography journey here in Arkansas and Oklahoma!