Monday, March 30, 2009

Pileated Woodpecker: another view

Pileated Woodpecker


My first good look ever at a Pileated Woodpecker, and it stuck around while I switched to a telephoto lens and took a few pictures. I've caught glimpses of them before, and heard them many times, but never had the chance to observe one like this.

There seemed to be another one nearby; whenever this one flew too close it made a lot of sound, but never showed itself. These guys are huge - the Sibley guide says 16 inches in length, with a 29 inch wingspan.