Golden-Fronted Woodpecker, Cozad Ranch, Linn, Texas

©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com

Canon EOS 1DsMKIII, 500mm F4 Lens with 2X II Tele-converter

ISO 250, F8, 1/800s Aperture priority at +1/3, Flash ETTL II -2+2/3

The Golden-Fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) consumes about as much fruit and nuts as it does insects. During the summer in Texas, the faces of some woodpeckers become stained purple from eating the fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

TIP: You have probably noticed that most of the images that I’ve posted from the trip so far are vertical. I try to shoot verticals as often as possible, it’s sometimes rather difficult to make a cover with a horizontal image ☺

Please say a prayer for 15 month old little-man, Ronan, who is fighting for life and breath, and for his parents, Heather & Mike. Be strong and get well, little buddy!