September 13th, 2012
As I set off on my walk this morning, I heard an odd chopping noise coming from the woods which border one side of the long driveway. Imagine my shock to see a female Pileated Woodpecker searching for her morning meal in the dead tree near the edge of the forest.

Needless to say, I ditched the walk and spent a while watching and photographing this wonderful woodpecker who, until this year, had totally eluded me. I'd say this was another case of 'right place, right time', right in my own backyard.

Good morning to you!
     
   
     
The Pileated Woodpecker is lit by the early sunshine.
Having just finished making one hole, she's moving on up the tree.
   
     
   
     
She peers inside the new hole, looking for food.
 
     
   
     
Peek-a-boo! I see you!
   
     
   
     
And in goes her head, as far as it can.
  
     
   
     

Then off she goes, up the tree again.

I was able to take over 150 pictures before she finally noticed she had an audience and flew off. It was my lucky day, for sure!
 

Photographs Index