Pileated Woodpecker Gunstock River
 

We were sitting on the "back porch" late this afternoon and spotted this guy looking for dinner.

Amazing, 15-18" long. I used a long lens in rapid fire "sport" mode. Check out the parts of the tree flying just under his beak in the first two shots. :eek:

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Very nice photos..... wonder if Woody the Woodpecker was a pileated woodpecker, too?

Yeah, FLL, those thoughts keep me awake at night, too. The jury seems divided between the red headed woodpecker and the pileated. The red headed has the right colors, but the pileated has the right head.

These are great pictures and I love to see them in action. My favorite bird in the Lakes region.

A couple of years ago, in late September, we watched a Pair of these birds from our cabin porch entertain each other for about two hours on the side of a tall pine tree 30 feet away and maybe 6 feet off the ground.

One would work his way around to the other side of the tree..while the other one would always rotate in the opposite direction so they couldn't see each other...the tree always between them. Sometimes they would even be upside down. :laugh:

We wondered why they seemed to be flirting with each other in Late September....or was it a territorial thing.

They seemed to be oblivious of our presence, as occasionally we would get up and go into the cabin, with it's noisy screen door that you couldn't go through without it banging shut. :look: NB

Nice shots Steve. My son spotted this one yesterday at Lincoln Park in Gilford and I was able to get one quick shot. The Pileated has always been somewhat of a nemesis bird for me. I've never really gotten a great image of one.. This one will have to do till I get a better opportunity. They are very skittish birds.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3...1/piliated.jpg

I've looked at your website...
 

Blush... I got lucky :laugh:

I would love to learn more about my camera, I used a Canon SXi with a long lens, how come your pictures are so much better! :emb:

(I keep meaning to take some lessons):rolleye2:

Steve check out this site: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ It is a forum that has the same format as this one, only it is dedicated to Canon users. It has sections of the forum dedicated to sharing know how and sections for showing your images and having more experienced photographers critique your work. It is a great way to learn about anything and everything related to Canon digital photography. It is free and the people there are very generous in sharing their time and expertise.

For example there is a section for just bird photos, post your images there and ask for a critique and you will learn lots. I know I did. BTW I shoot with a 40D and either a Canon 400 f/5.6L lens or a Canon 70-200 f/4.0L when I am shooting wildlife.

Looks like he was visiting West Alton yesterday
 

If I did this right, a picture should follow.

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Wow!
 

Thats all I can say, ALL the photos are amazing. Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of one of those amazing birds in my woods.

Picture of a PAIR to follow—when I find it...
 

Even if their long-carrying call doesn't give them away, their method of drilling will. Listen for an occasional tapping sound. (Like a carpenter securing a screen with tacks).

While Piliated Woodpecks are drilling at wood, they do so with some "thought". Large chunks of wood will also fall to the ground as they actually pry weakened woodchips away with their bills. (Like a carpenter might, using a chisel).

Smaller woodpeckers use rapidly-repeated smaller strikes. (Like an air-powered chisel).

Sometimes you'll see a Piliated Woodpecker "hiding" from you behind the tree trunk. From left or right, he will alternately peek at you as you walk by. (Playing "peekaboo", as it were).

:look:

Such a beautiful bird
 

He visited us here in the Weirs Tuesday night. Unfortunately I couldn't get to my camera in time to snap a picture but what a great sight it was to see him land on the railing of our deck. I couldn't believe my eyes that he was all of 10 feet away from me! :D