Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
Flickers are common in the area, and can be found whereever there are suitable trees for nesting. As well as places on the refuge like Benson Pond, they're found in aspen groves on Steens Mountain, Page Springs and similar areas.
Flickers are tricky to photograph, as they're often found high in trees and are flighty. They're easy to photograph at the nest hole, but care must be taken not to frighten them off and therefore endangering the young. Consider techniques like pre-focusing your camera on the nest hole, then using a long release cable to remove yourself from the immediate area of the nest. They'll find the camera and tripod much less intimidating if you're not there.
The flicker perched next to its nest hole, which follows below, was taken from my campsite's picnic table at Page Springs campground. It was used to people being in the campsite and wasn't bothered by my presence, and my campsite also had magpie and house wren nests in it!
