David and Goliath

downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker — David and Goliath.

The Pileated Woodpecker, 17 inches top to tail tip, is Ohio’s largest woodpecker. Conversely, the Downy Woodpecker is Ohio’s smallest at a mere 6.5 inches long.* The two are seldom seen together. If they happen to arrive in the same area, the Downy quickly knows its place. It is no physical match for the impressive Piliated.

I recently was watching and photographing a male Pileated Woodpecker feed on the peanut butter suet feeder that hangs in my backyard. Imagine my surprise when a male Downy Woodpecker suddenly dropped onto the feeder and seemingly challenged its mega-sized cousin. It was both a once-in-a-lifetime moment and a David vs. Goliath situation. I was extremely fortunate to capture this brief confrontation before the Downy decided to wait its turn.

“David and Goliath” is my Photo of the Week.

*Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, 2000, Kenn Kaufman, p. 214 & p. 218.

Author: Bruce Stambaugh

Writer, marketer, columnist, author, photographer, birder, walker, hiker, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, township trustee, converted Anabaptist, community activist, my life is crammed with all things people and nature and wonder. My late father gave me this penchant for giving and getting the most out of life, my late mother the courtesy, kindness, and creativity to see the joy in life. They both taught me to cherish the people I am with. I try and fail and try again. View all posts by Bruce Stambaugh

10 thoughts on “David and Goliath”

melodiemillerdavis says:

April 27, 2017 at 8:21 am

Even I could tell you had an unusual photograph here, even before I read the post. Just for the fun of it, I’ll make it our afternoon post at Third Way’s Facebook page since you’re a Mennonite photographer and all. 🙂 (That’s my lens from which I pick posts for Third Way FB.)

LikeLiked by 1 person
Dynna Nemeskal says:

April 27, 2017 at 11:16 am

Good morning Bruce. We have these birds in northern MI and I do feed the birds year around. While I see these at my feeders, I have never seen what you managed to capture. I so love this photo and your title is perfect. I have been following you for quite awhile and always enjoy your writings and photos. Thank you so much.

LikeLike
1. Bruce Stambaugh says:
  
  April 27, 2017 at 11:41 am
  
  Thank you so much, Dynna, for your comments and for following me. I’m glad you enjoy both the writing and the photos. I felt very fortunate to be able to capture this pair together.
  Blessings,
  Bruce
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Bruce Stambaugh says:
    
    April 27, 2017 at 11:43 am
    
    Thanks, Melodie. I appreciate the link, and I like your Menno lens. 🙂
    Bruce
    
    LikeLike
Mary Rittenhouse says:

April 27, 2017 at 12:17 pm

Love your bird photos, Bruce. Hope your new location will bring lovely feathered surprises. Thanks for sharing your work.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. Bruce Stambaugh says:
  
  April 27, 2017 at 12:45 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Mary. Indeed, I hope the birds will find me in VA.
  All the best,
  Bruce
  
  LikeLike
Carrie says:

April 27, 2017 at 3:50 pm

What an amazing picture! No worry my friend, the birds will find you in Virginia and I know you will find them.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. Bruce Stambaugh says:
  
  April 27, 2017 at 3:52 pm
  
  Thanks, Carrie. I’m looking forward to meeting my new feathered friends there.
  Blessings,
  Bruce
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
pamela lakits says:

April 29, 2017 at 9:31 am

What an awesome moment to capture! I so love our feathered friends, they are a joy to behold. Thank you for sharing this unique photo with us.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. Bruce Stambaugh says:
  
  April 29, 2017 at 9:50 am
  
  You are most welcome, Pamela. I’m glad you enjoyed the photo and love birding, too.
  Bruce
  
  LikeLike