Hey Woody...Say 'Cheese'!

Your design can be different—just make sure the platform has plenty of support since it's topped with a large section of dead tree trunk. It's the crowning touch that has made my photographs so believable!

Offer a Helping Hand

If the trunk has no natural small holes, drill a few 1/4-inch holes about 3/4 inch deep at a 30˚ downward angle. These holes give the woodpeckers a place to insert sunflower seeds so they can peck the shells apart and eat the meats. Don't be surprised if they enlarge them or add a few more to the log.

Once you've finished building the platform feeder, place it near a window or a photo blind so you can capture these colorful feathered friends in action.

To attract woodpeckers, it helps to have old trees nearby. But even if you don't, there's a good chance you'll still get woodpeckers if you're patient.

To help pass time, I've attached a small branch to the tray to give songbirds a place to land before jumping onto the platform feeder for a sunflower snack. This gives me plenty of other winged subjects to photograph while waiting for the woodpeckers to show up.

A Few Photography Hints

The best part of this system is you don't need anything fancy to get photos like mine. However, you will need a telephoto or zoom lens (I suggest one at least 200mm to 300mm) to bring the action real close, making it look as if the birds are in their natural setting.

I usually photograph the birds in the morning or in the early evening when the light is at its best. On overcast days, I photograph the birds anytime. However, it's important to use a flash to add a sparkle to their eyes, otherwise, the birds appear lifeless.

So far, I've photographed downy, red-bellied and hairy woodpeckers in winter. And in summer, red-headed woodpeckers and northern flickers have made appearances. And I've even seen a pileated woodpecker show up once. It didn't stay long enough for me to capture it on film, however. But when it does come back, I'll be ready!