29 April 2009

pileated woodpecker

through the window, i spotted him as he flew across the backyard like a shot, a black bullet. as i changed camera lenses, i heard his raucous call from up back. in pjs and flip-flops i skulked through the backyard, and found him there, on the ground, drilling on an old tree stump. he was pretty far away - but just look how his red head stands out in the brush!

3 comments:

gretchen said...

WOW! What a great shot! We have been listening to them drill in our woods, too. I love how you stalked the pilated in pjs and flipflops. I bet he'd be flattered.

Gretchen

Anonymous said...

How magestic they must look! One day I hope I get to see one! Lucky you, and thanks for posting him!

maryv said...

I love the low-end thrum in the beat of a pileated pecking on high and distant deadwood. The bass notes for a percussion jam at a party in the piney deep, complete with chips, scattered on the forest carpet, to be found the morning after...