Fall is a wonderful time of the year. Temperatures are cooling, but there are still plenty of colorful birds, flowers, butterflies, and insects around. One of the other reasons I like fall is that the harsh summer sunlight softens and it can make for some really beautiful photographic effects. That was the case with this beautiful red bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). She was climbing up a tree trunk and when she crossed a place where the soft morning light was shining through the other trees, she started to glow. I had already been following her climb with my camera, so it was easy to grab a few shots as she passed through that light. I never know for sure how a shot will come out until I can see it on the computer, but I had a great feeling about this one. I’m happy to say I was not disappointed. I’ve done almost no editing, and I’m really pleased. What do you think?