Saturday, December 17, 2011

Downy Woodpecker by Dan Huber

Posted by Dan Huber
Downy Woodpecker male - From October2011
    This last year, I have stayed fairly local, not chasing many birds so that I could learn more about the "common" birds.  I have stayed mostly to my local patch learning it's birds and spots well, and now that winter is coming with cold weather, my feeders see more regular activity as well, giving me ample time (at least on the weekends) to observe my feeder birds up close.  I love to take photos, and often birding, getting a photo allows me to identify it more precisely later on, but there is nothing like having the chance to observe the details in the field and sketching helps me do that.  Looking through binoculars at a bird 5 feet away gives some neat close-up looks.
From October2011
   I admit to cheating some and sketching from my photos, as I have trouble getting the details on paper when they are moving around and I tend to get an outline, but I am practicing. I like noticing the details seen in atypical poses, exposing the underside of the tail-feathers for instance.  When we think of Downies they are black and white, but would you recognize the feathers and location of that feather if you saw one?  A great resource for bird feathers is below:
From 12-11
Downy wing secondary wing feather - note it is illegal to own/collect feathers
of migratory birds so taking photos can be a great way to preserve the found
feathers. From 12-11
Not a typical view of Downies - note the pattern on the underside of the tail feathers - From October2011
Some tail feathers are solid black, the outer are banded on the edges - From October2011

From Sketches

Suave Morning doo - From November 2011

16 comments:

  1. Great post - and your sketches are really SUPER!!!

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  2. Awesome shots of the Downy Woodpecker and a great post, Dan!

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  3. I love the photos, Dan, (Downies are one of my favorite birds!), and I'm so glad you included your sketch. You know I love bird art!!

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  4. Great post, your sketch is superb Dan.

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  5. Thank you all for the very nice comments :)

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  6. Great photos of those Downy Woodpeckers. and a very informative post, also.

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  7. This wonderful post allows your readers to get more up close and personal with the downies too. Their feathers are especially cool looking. I think I will have to check out that feather book. Outstanding photographs and close-up sketch, Dan!

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  8. What a gorgeous post Dan! Truly stunning photos of everyone's favorite woodpecker.

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  9. I love the pretty Downies. Love your post, and I'm happy to see that you're still sketching!

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  10. Thanks very much Bob, Linda and Pat for the kind comments :)

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  11. Paying attention to the finer details can be very rewarding and enjoyable. Very nice post!

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  12. Nice shots Dan. In the past I've enjoyed seeing Downies in Yosemite. Cool birds!

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  13. Love your downies, Dan. And looking at your sketch makes me itch to start my own sketching. What did I go to art school for if not use in some fashion? Nice post!

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