Photographing the Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) in the highlands of Roncesvalles, Tolima, was an experience that required patience and precision. This image captures a female of the species, easily distinguishable from the male by the absence of the red crown patch. Her most striking feature is the mesmerizing gradation of color in each eye, shifting from pink to blue—a rare and captivating trait that adds to the uniqueness of this species.
Roncesvalles, nestled in the mountains of Tolima, presents an ever-changing environment for photography. The cloud forests create an atmospheric setting where light constantly shifts from soft diffused tones to deeper shadows. Capturing this woodpecker in such conditions meant carefully managing exposure to preserve detail without overcompensating for the dynamic lighting.
To freeze her poised stance, the camera’s program mode selected a shutter speed of 1/250 second, a necessary balance for stability at 1120mm with the RF 800mm f/11 lens and 1.4x extender. I manually set the ISO to 800, ensuring enough sensitivity to work with the available light while keeping noise minimal to retain the fine details in her feathers. The Canon R5’s stabilization proved critical in achieving a sharp image at this extreme focal length.
This photograph is not just a study of an individual bird but a testament to the rich biodiversity of Roncesvalles. Acorn Woodpeckers play a vital role in their ecosystem, caching acorns in tree cavities and contributing to forest regeneration. Preserving habitats like these ensures that future generations can continue to witness the intricate relationships that sustain life in Colombia’s high-altitude forests.
©2024 Adam Rainoff Photographer
