Paul Brewer was the lucky photographer who witnessed the event. Paul wrote, "This photo of the baby alone shows it putting its foot out of the nest hole. It flew less than one minute later. It was wonderful to observe, but no warning except the foot out of the hole, which I did not see until processing the photos.”
Earlier the parents were seen feeding their offspring. In Paul's photo the father Acorn Woodpecker is feeding his chick, while the mother looks on.
Rick and I get to watch Acorn Woodpeckers who come to a feeder we have. They are great fun to observe.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. Paul has a showing at the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala. The opening is Friday, July 6th at 5 pm. His nature photos will be there in the weeks ahead.