This evening offered pleasant surprises!

Wildlife photography sure has a way of testing the patience of the person behind the camera.  It is so different and much more challenging than portrait, scenery and other still life.  Critters seem to know when you are about to press the shutter.  They also seem to know when you are changing lenses, adjusting your tripod, changing settings or trying for a better position.  I don't even want to think about how many times I was looking thru the viewfinder and seconds away from pressing the shutter release when the the subject of the photo exited the scene.  They seem to tease you into waiting for a little better pose or a little better position and then they make their move.  I don't know how they do it but they do have a knack of spoiling the perfect shot.  On the other hand that challenge does add to the fun.  I do have to say that tonight one Pileated Woodpecker decided he kinda wanted his picture taken and I obliged.  This guy found a spot at the base of a tree that apparently offered some real tasty grub and he seemed unaware of us watching him. I have tried for years to get good pictures of a Pileated Woodpecker and finally luck was on my side.  This alone made it a great evening.  The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest Woodpecker in North America.  It's call is very similar to a wild laugh.  They have a brilliant red head which is hard to miss.  Thank you Mr Woodpecker for a great evening.

They sure seem to be enjoying this quiet time.

Tonight was a real treat because we saw loads of deer.  In this photo, the one seemed to be on guard while the other one munched away.