Gila Woodpecker in Flight
by Patti Deters
Title
Gila Woodpecker in Flight
Artist
Patti Deters
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
"Gila Woodpecker in Flight" by Patti Deters. The Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) is a about the size of a soda can, with a striking pattern of black and white feathers. It can be seen around Saguaro cactus and other desert environments in the southern half of Arizona and the Sonoran Desert. Gila Woodpeckers have strong beaks that they use for drilling holes in cacti and trees. I was lucky to capture this bird in flight as she was landing on an old cactus trunk, probably hoping to find some insects, although they are omnivorous. They’re closely tied to the saguaro cactus and are a non-migratory species. Watching a Gila Woodpecker in flight is a fascinating sight, showcasing the bird's grace and agility as it moves through the air. If you like outdoor nature photography, please see more birding, avian, and other wildlife images at patti-deters.pixels.com.
Uploaded
November 2nd, 2023
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