Woodpecker ID??

[Giphsub]

I know these shots aren't great, but I had the fun of seeing and following my first woodpecker while I was in Nagano over New Years. Amazing birds. That is some piece of structural engineering in that head and neck! It was interesting watching it tap the trees and then listen for what was inside. Anyway, can anyone tell me what type of woodpecker this might be? Thanks.

http://giphsub.smugmug.com/photos/242437101-XL.jpg

http://giphsub.smugmug.com/photos/242437277-XL.jpg

[jwear]

look up the genus----picoides in your area and see what you find but i is not sure :scratch

[john l]

Hi Mike, I believe this is a Great Spotted Woodpecker. John

[jwear]

yep and a female :thumb

[Giphsub]

Thanks Jeff and John! I assume they are found in Japan too? I'll check it out.

[Harryb]

Can't ID it but they are good pics. :thumb

[Giphsub]

Thanks Harry. They are pretty heavily cropped. I was shooting the Bigma handheld, so they aren't as sharp as they could have been.