DIVERGENCE

Divergence refers to the act of moving apart or deviating from a common point or path.

This new series deals with our totally weird life experience. At my age I thought our generation had made some big generational changes of how we accept each other: for who we are. As artists all we can do is to interpret and resist the insane negativity, persevere, maintain our curiosity, and be willing to take risks.

 Divergence in psychology refers to a thought process or cognitive style characterized by generating multiple, diverse ideas or solutions to a problem. It is often associated with creativity and "thinking outside the box".

Carson Zullinger

Divergence: Woodpecker species

Woodpecker divergence is the evolutionary process by which woodpeckers have evolved into hundreds of species starting around 14 million years ago. They have a specialized woodland niche drilling trees for insects and tree sap as well as frequenting seed feeders including for a favorite of peanuts. And yes also pecking loudly on houses to claim territory and attract mates, find insects in siding or create a nesting cavity.

They have an important ecological role of controlling insects and their nest holes are used by other birds and mammals. Not to mention providing the enjoyment of zooming in to watch and photograph them in appreciation of their beauty in natural lighting and woodland settings.

These are 5 species that frequent our backyard woodland edge. Each is beautiful in its own way. 

1. Male downy woodpecker

2. Male yellow-bellied sapsucker woodpecker

3. Female pileated woodpecker

4. Male red-bellied woodpecker

5. Female northern flicker woodpecker

Among nature lovers and in many cultures, the sighting of a woodpecker is believed to be a good omen and bring good luck to the home.

Patt Panzer