We had been watching the pileated woodpeckers excavate the nesting hole for several weeks.  Seeing the male chip away from the inside was a sign that the work was almost complete.  Later in the summer we saw three chicks pop their heads through the opening (subject for a future post).  These woodpeckers are striking birds and hard to miss given their loud calls and the drumming sounds they make as they drill away at trees.   The woodpecker in these photos was in a dense stand of trees so it was impossible to move in close.  As he was intent on his task I had time to find an opening in the branches to get some clear shots.  It’s always a good day when you come across these birds in the woods!