Green Woodpecker

[chunkychambers]

Terrible shot I know........I've had these birds M+F coming to my garden most days for a couple of years now.
This one came today and was feeding happily and then struck this pose and didn't move for at least 10 mins.......
I thought BOP or cat but none to be seen......after a while it continued to forage, probably for ants, quite normally.
I found the behavior strange so I thought I'd post it and see if anyone had any thoughts.

Paul

EDIT..I didn't realise the shot was this poor!!
The bird is pointing it's bill skywards

[Alan]

Like you say, could be a freeze reflext to a predator. It may have been sat out of site and you couldn't see it!

Also how about listening for other woodies, or its food - ants etc. A long time to listen for them I know, but woody might be hard of hearing

[chunkychambers]

Originally Posted by Alan

Like you say, could be a freeze reflext to a predator. It may have been sat out of site and you couldn't see it!

Also how about listening for other woodies, or its food - ants etc. A long time to listen for them I know, but woody might be hard of hearing

It was the length of time that puzzled me Al........mind you if the preditor was sitting low down, as you say, that might explain it.

[henrya]

Cramp?

henrya

[chunkychambers]

Originally Posted by henrya

Cramp?

henrya

Never thought of that........

[lol geoff]

Used to do that as a kid in the high street after saturday morning pictures....Surprising how quickly a crowd would build up without a clue at what they are looking for.

[glsammy]

I've never seen this behaviour; I wish I could, it might give me a better chance to get nearer! Yesterday was the nearest I've managed so far, here's the best shot I managed. (don't hold you breath, it's rubbish! )

[mrs fish]

Thought I'd join in
Your shot isn't too bad Glsammy.

[Garden Carpet]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I've never seen this behaviour; I wish I could, it might give me a better chance to get nearer! Yesterday was the nearest I've managed so far, here's the best shot I managed. (don't hold you breath, it's rubbish! )

You jest sir!.. I would be most grateful for the chance to take such a pic... you lot are so good you expect too much methinks
jaki

[Ollie]

I think you have all done well to get a shot at all. I often hear them at Messingham reserve, but usually only get a fleeting glimpse as they dissapear into the distance.
Roger