Hairy Woodpecker

Probably the most wide ranging year around resident Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker is seen in fields, forests and at feeders throughout most of North America. Very similar to the slightly smaller Downy Woodpecker, they can be found foraging the same tree and are often seen together but Hairys prefer more woodland environment so are less likely to be found in newer subdivisions where mature trees are lacking. 

Image Size is 4" x 4"  mixed media on arches watercolor paper.  $75 

For check payment or other payment arrangements email

birdartist@mindspring.com

Williamson's Sapsucker, female

The next portrait in the woodpecker series is the Williamson's Sapsucker. I decided to portray the female because this is the only North American woodpecker that has total dimorphism between male and female.


It breeds in middle to higher elevation conifer forests and moves down a bit during winter. Uncommon and localized throughout the Western mountains. The male is is very striking , shiny and uniformly black above, it has a head creased by two white stripes and a bold white wing patch. The prominent white rump is visible only in flight. Underparts are black on the chest, yellow on the belly. If you see the male you will be impressed. The female however has a more subtle beauty and since there is such a difference, I chose to depict the female.

Image Size is 4" x 4"  mixed media on arches watercolor paper.  $75

For check payment or other payment arrangements email

birdartist@mindspring.com

Downy Woodpecker

This next portrait is the smallest North American woodpecker. They are permanent residents in most of North America except for the north tundra and the Southwest Desert. They are found in a wide variety of habitat from forests to back yards but they prefer deciduous trees. They are a common visitor to back yard suet feeders.

Image Size is 4" x 4"  mixed media on arches watercolor paper.  $75

For check payment or other payment arrangements email

birdartist@mindspring.com

Pileated Woodpecker

I am starting a new series of small head portraits of Woodpeckers. I am starting with the 11 species that live in my county of Deschutes in central Oregon. I may extend it to include all of the 22 North American species at some point.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America and ranges over the eastern half of the United States, most of central and southern Canada, and parts of Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Northern California. In Oregon it is confined to the mountains of northeastern Oregon and the Cascade range and west to the coast. They are not common in Oregon but can be seen fairly often if you are diligent. They usually have large territories so that makes them a bit challenging to track down. They prefer old growth conifers, cypress swamps, bottom lands and mature hardwood forests. They don't drill holes as such but rather excavates cavities pounding into the trunks of dead and decaying trees, and live ones, creating rectangular or oblong shaped cavities in search of insects. Often seen working dead or fallen trees on or near the ground. They have a fairly loud and raucous call similar to the Northern Flicker so they are hard to miss if they are vocalizing. They tend to be rather secretive nesters so it is sometimes hard to find their nest.

Here in Deschutes County you can find them in the forests west of Sisters as well as the forest trails along the Century Drive. Magnificent woodpecker to behold.

Image Size is 4" x 4"  mixed media on arches watercolor paper.  $95

For check payment or other payment arrangements email

birdartist@mindspring.com