Stunning woodpecker photographs capture special morning encounter in Shropshire
A mysterious tapping at the window led Rushbury photographer Peter Steggles to a surprise close-up encounter with a young greater spotted woodpecker – giving him the perfect chance to capture the stunning visitor on camera.
A persistent tapping at the window led a Shropshire photographer to an unexpected early-morning encounter with one of the county’s most striking garden visitors.
Peter Steggles, from Rushbury, near Church Stretton, was at home shortly before 8am on Sunday when he heard the distinctive tapping.
At first, the 71-year-old checked his back door to see if anything was outside, but found nothing.
The sound continued, prompting Peter to follow it through the house until he reached a north-east-facing window.
There, perched close to the glass, was the culprit – a young greater spotted woodpecker.
Peter quickly grabbed his camera and began taking photographs, capturing the bird as it investigated the window and surrounding woodwork.
He is unsure exactly what had attracted the woodpecker.
“It could have been reacting to its reflection, chasing flies or just trying out its beak on the window’s woodwork,” he said.
“Or perhaps it was desperate to have its photo taken.”
The young bird was seemingly less wary of people than an adult bird might be, giving Peter the chance to capture a series of detailed images at close range.
The encounter provided a memorable start to the day for the lifelong photographer.
Peter has been sharing photographs of Shropshire with the Shropshire Star for years and is also a regular contributor to the newspaper’s Letters page.
His latest collection demonstrates just how much inspiration can be found close to home.
The photographs, taken within around 50 yards of his home near Church Stretton, include wildlife, landscapes and everyday rural scenes captured throughout the changing seasons.
For Peter, photography is part of a lifelong connection with the countryside.
“I am an out-and-out countryboy, even Church Stretton is a bit too built up for me,” he said. “I enjoy my walking and if I can keep away from using the car I will.”
His interest in the arts began after he switched from studying maths and economics to an arts course – a decision he has never regretted.
The latest woodpecker encounter is another example of how remarkable wildlife can appear in the most unexpected places.
And for Peter, it was a reminder that some of the finest photographic opportunities in Shropshire can be found just outside the front door.