My honey and I were just saying the other day that we have not seen the Pileated Woodpecker in quite some time. Well while we where sitting and eating our breakfast Monday guess who showed up. This guy. He stayed for quite sometime. Helping himself to our sunflower seeds and then he was off.
I'm so glad he decided to return to you Tooty. He certainly is a very handsome bird so let's hope he keeps coming to your garden now that he knows there's plenty of food available.
There is something endearing about woodpeckers, especially when they are as gorgeous as your Pileated, Tooty. Glad he came, hope he stays, and enjoy him whenever he comes!
I think that that is one of the most beautiful creatures that I have ever seen. what a set of foto's! Chapeau.
That's a fantastic picture of a beautiful bird. We once had one drill a nest in an old tree and we could see the mama bringing the babies food. Mike was curious so put on his climbing spikes to take a look. The baby birds heard him coming and started making the buzzing sounds of a bee hive!
2 -OF.....I had no idea about this. That sounds like a good defence. I ought to see what else I can find about this. Very interesting.
Amazing photos! I know first hand how hard it is to get a good picture of them ... they tend to hide on the opposite side of the tree! Well done
So glad you are enjoying the photos of him. He has been back at least three times since our first sighting. I think he will be a regular at our feeders. Oh joy! Today I let my little dog out to do her thing and scarred him away from the feeder. From now on before I let her out I will have to check and see if he is helping himself to some sunflower hearts.
You are so lucky to have such a beauty visiting, and you took lovely photos. I would probably sit there and stare, totally star struck.
I found this on facebook. It kind of substantiates what I said about Mike climbing up to see the baby woodpeckers. Jared Lloyd Photography April 10, 2012 · Did you know that baby pileated woodpeckers make a humming noise inside of the nesting cavity that sounds JUST like a beehive? This is presumably done to keep nest raiders at bay!
Very interesting. I also found out that squirrels are one of the predators of Pileated nests. Unreal. We are still having him come to our feeder every few days.
He is a beauty...I used to love listening to them in the woods behind us, it would echo through the whole woods. What a great treat for you Tooty2shoes...thanks for sharing...