I visited the Ridgefield NWR on Dec. 8, 2018 and was stopped on the road, taking shots of chickadees in trees outside the driver’s-side window, when a pair of Red-breasted Sapsuckers landed on the trunk of one of the trees. Unfortunately, the birds were “too close” to get the whole bird in the frame and for the long lens to focus well. I took shots anyway as I couldn’t believe the opportunity I was given. I got about a dozen frames before the birds disappeared from view, most way too OOF. I found the best one, sent it to Photoshop, and did a couple rounds of sharpening, as well as de-noising, as best I could. I think this is a Northern variety male.
Canon 7D Mark II, 1/1250, f4, ISO 1000, 500mm, 1:30 p.m.
