Friday, December 2, 2011

Golden Hill Country Park

I came across this confiding Great-spotted Woodpecker at Golden Hill Country Park, Freshwater, this morning. You can see how well adapted he is for the job (the red patch behind the head indicates that this is a male). The two-forrard and two-aft facing toes give a great grip, even upside down, whilst the stiff tail steadies the ship! And that beak can do a lot of damage. Then there’s the tongue…I did read somewhere that it is an amazing 14cm long, its sticky saliva and bristles preventing any grubs or other invertebrates from escaping. In fact, you’ve got to feel a wee bit sorry for any grubs this individual comes across. After all, it’s a pretty mean machine!

2 comments:

  1. I can't believe how close you've got to some of these birds, i'm guessing you have some pretty pro kit for this? Might it be worth having some of your shots featured in the Bedfordshire press somewhere?

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  2. Hi there, Jim,
    The kit is what might be described as high-end basic. I use a HD video camera with a good zoom and stability option, a leaving present from my last church that cost about £400. We're actually in the Isle of Wight now, though I've kept the 'Bedfordshire Wild' web address for now as it's not straightforward changing it!
    Thanks for your encouragement,
    Stephen.

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