Mum at Home

Gila Woodpecker mother at her home in a Saguaro Cactus. She just finished feeding her young and is looking for more food.

From Birds of Arizona Field Guide by Stan Tekiela:
"Gila Woodpecker, Melanerpes uropygialis. Common in semi-desert with larger cacti. Excavates cavity in a large saguaro cactus, but due to sap oozing usually does not nest in it until the following year. Defends nest from European Starlings. Old nest cavities often used by small owls and other bird species. Gives a loud, harsh 'quirrrrr' call to other Gilas. Also has a laughing-like 'gee-gee-gee-gee' call. Stores large caches of acorns."

This event was captured during a short walk around the block. Glad I had my camera! I'll keep shooting today, but I don't think that this photo can be topped!

Post-process: Cropped and bumped up the saturation slightly. Background cannot be improved because it is the lovely, clear Arizona sky.