Pileated Woodpeckers.........

[CathyA]

Saw 2 of these outside my window yesterday. I don't get to see them very often. I used a telephoto lens to get this pic. The original was much darker, but a naturalist friend of mine said with the darker image, she couldn't see if it was male or female. I guess the "mustache" on the male is red and it's black on the female. Once I lightened it up, I could see it's mustache is red.

I suppose the only down side of having these birds around is that they create huge holes in live trees for their nests. But I would welcome them anyhow!

Pileated woodpecker cropped and zoomed and lightened IMG_2893.jpg

[dado potato]

Their babies are amazingly cute when they stick their heads out of the cavity, waiting and watching for them to bring home something to eat.

[CathyA]

I hope I can see that sometime!

[rosarugosa]

We have seen them in our local woods in the past couple of years - so amazing! Thanks for sharing your photo!

[frugal-one]

We have them also.... So cool.... great photo!

[KayLR]

We get Downy woodpeckers in our apple tree....it's always such a treat to see them! Thanks for sharing your photo!

[Alan]

A few years ago we had a pair take up residence in an oak tree in the back yard. I was amazed at the huge cavity they made and the fact that they made two perfectly round entrances. The local squirrels are enjoying the digs now.

[Rogar]

Those are neat birds. We don't have them around here, but I've seen them in travels.

[SteveinMN]

There are enough trees with woodpecker holes around here that they apparently are not uncommon. But I don't usually see them working on trees. However, a Nuttall's woodpecker spent time at our birdbath a few times two summers ago. Can't find the picture now (assuming I took one; they don't always stay long enough there for me to grab the camera). Beautiful.

[Williamsmith]

We have them and I enjoy seeing them in the woods while hunting, walking, cutting wood. But I do not enjoy seeing them on the rare occasion they think they might find food beneath your wooden soffit. They are a magnificent bird though.