A Red-headed Woodpecker arrived at a nest hole with berries in its bill. I photographed the moment at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
The June timing made this a fitting Father’s Day look at the work involved in raising young woodpeckers.
Red-headed Woodpecker Fatherhood at the Nest
Red-headed Woodpecker fathers take an active role in raising their young. They help build the nest, incubate the eggs, brood the chicks, and deliver food.
Both parents share these responsibilities. Their cooperation creates a strong foundation for the young birds inside the nest.
Males and females have very similar plumage. Because of that, I could not determine the sex of the adult in this photograph by appearance alone.
The bird was carrying berries to the nest hole. That food delivery offered a clear view of the steady work required to feed growing chicks.
Red-headed Woodpecker parents also defend the nesting area. They use calls and aggressive displays when an intruder threatens the nest.
Their work continues as the young birds mature. The parents help them develop the foraging and flight skills needed for independence.
I have photographed this nesting behavior during another encounter at the refuge. You can see that story in Red-headed Woodpecker Feeding Young.
Photographing a Woodpecker Bringing Berries
I made this photograph at 8:16 on the morning of June 17, 2023. The bird stood against a clear blue background beside the weathered nest tree.
The berries remained visible in its bill as it paused near the opening. That small detail helped tell the story of a parent providing food.
I used an 800mm lens to frame the woodpecker beside the nest hole. The bright head, black-and-white body, berries, and pale tree trunk all remained visible.
Camera and exposure details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11
- Aperture: f/11
- Shutter speed: 1/800 second
- ISO: 800, Auto ISO
- Exposure compensation: +0.7
- Focal length: 800mm
- Date: June 17, 2023
- Time: 8:16 a.m.
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
A Father’s Day Lesson from the Nest
My friend Mia McPherson inspired me to write about Red-headed Woodpecker fatherhood for Father’s Day. Her knowledge of birds and wildlife photography has encouraged me many times.
Her suggestion helped me look beyond the bird’s striking colors. It brought my attention back to the shared effort required to raise young birds.
I could not confirm that the adult in this photograph was the father. Still, male Red-headed Woodpeckers perform the same important nesting duties shown here.
They help prepare the nest, care for the eggs, provide food, guard the young, and guide them toward independence.
This photograph reminds me that wildlife fatherhood often involves patience, teamwork, and constant effort.