A Red-bellied Woodpecker gave me a quick little show in my Arkansas yard. It leaned out from a wooden post and checked the scene like it was playing peekaboo.
In just a few seconds, it shifted its head side to side and gave me three different looks.
This short series shows how much personality one bird can show in just a few seconds. For another close look at this species, see The Charming Red-bellied Woodpecker: A Close Encounter
Wildlife Notes
This Red-bellied Woodpecker used the post like a blind. It stayed mostly hidden, then eased out a little at a time. Each time it leaned farther, it paused and scanned before moving again.
I liked the personality in those small head tilts. The bird looked curious, but also cautious. It felt like it was checking for movement around the yard before committing to whatever it wanted to do next.
Photography Notes
This was a fast little sequence, so I aimed for shutter speed first. The head angle changed constantly, and I wanted clean detail in the face and crown.
Photo details (all three images):
- Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Lens: Canon RF 200–800mm
- Aperture: ƒ/10
- Shutter Speed: 1/800
- ISO: 4000
- Exposure Compensation: +1
With the bird moving in short bursts, I kept tracking it and fired short runs as it leaned out. The bright red crown caught the sunlight when it turned just right, and that pop of color is what makes this series work for me.
Closing
I enjoy these small backyard moments as much as the big wildlife trips. One bird, one post, and a few seconds can still tell a story.