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!
April 2, 2016 at 7:29 pm
The Pileated is a favorite of mine! Great photos.
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April 2, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Thank you.
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March 31, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Gosh, these are splendid! I love the chips of bark flying through the air in that top image.
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March 31, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Thank you so much!
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March 2, 2016 at 7:19 pm
Soooo envious — I’ve been able to get some good shots while they were at my feeders last year, but the pair I’ve seen at the new house are pretty skittish still — so I’m going thru Pileated Photo Withdrawal. And I’ve never been able to track down a nest. Can’t wait to see the shots of the ‘kids”.
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March 2, 2016 at 7:55 pm
😊 They’re terrific birds.
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March 1, 2016 at 10:43 pm
Stunning captures, love love LOVE the action with flying chips! 🙂
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March 1, 2016 at 10:59 pm
Thank you, it was fun to witness and photograph.
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March 1, 2016 at 6:27 pm
Must be a wonderful experience watching these guys. I wish we had them around us but alas we don’t. I once stood under a tree with one of these guys chipping away above and it was fun as can be.
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March 1, 2016 at 6:33 pm
They are beautiful birds and it was quite something to watch the nest under construction!
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March 1, 2016 at 1:06 pm
Love the flying wood chips. I love these birds, they are very striking. We have them here, not sure about all year or not. Great job!
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March 1, 2016 at 2:25 pm
Thank you, they are terrific birds.
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March 1, 2016 at 8:37 am
I like woodpecker the most…..
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February 29, 2016 at 8:54 pm
What fun to watch this progress – I love the action. That bottom shot is really outstanding! Shows off his beauty in clear, sharp detail.
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February 29, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Thank you, he’s a real showman!
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February 29, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Fantastic shots, Belinda…love how you captured the chips flying!
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February 29, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Thank you Eliza, it was amazing to watch him at work!
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February 29, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Fabtastic shot, love the flying woodchips
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February 29, 2016 at 2:47 pm
Thank you!
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February 29, 2016 at 1:01 pm
I love woodpeckers! There are so many around us right now drumming away into the trees. Thanks for sharing the photos.
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February 29, 2016 at 1:03 pm
They are wonderful birds, this particular sighting was a real treat!
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February 29, 2016 at 3:19 pm
😀
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February 29, 2016 at 7:11 am
What great photos of a wonderful bird! Splendid job!
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February 29, 2016 at 7:24 am
Thank you, it was fun to watch him work away and photograph!
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