Pileated Woodpecker nest site

[Borealhunter]

Sorry about the large photos as I am learning how to process these photos to show on the internet and forums. I took these photos today after a graduation party I attended.

[gatorhunter]

Now that's cool!

[Birdsong]

Okay, Mike, Now this is just catching on WAY too fast. Terrific photos.

[ShawnZ]

Sweet stuff Mike, the nest is an incredible find, way to go!

[micpic]

That is great! Did you see the male help in the feeding process? Mike

[Borealhunter]

No just the female came. Did everyone notice that one of the young in the nest hole is upside down or has his neck twisted in a way the head is upside down. I just notice this while looking at the photo.

[Nymph]

Nice Job. That nest cavity is a great find for sure.

[Debbie K]

Mike - these have become my favorite birds and this year, just haven't come across any. Great shots!

[Steve Foss]

Did everyone notice that one of the young in the nest hole is upside down or has his neck twisted in a way the head is upside down.

Excellent images, Mike.

I pulled the image onto my desktop, opened it in Photoshop and brightened it to bring out the shadow details, and that indicated the rear bird in the last image is not upside down. It just appears that way in the image as posted online. Further evidence that it's right-side-up includes the hint of red on its forehead and the bright tip of the upper mandible, both of which field marks match the other juvenile in the nest cavity.

That being said, I'll repeat that the images are excellent. Always good to see a veteran birder eventually pick up a camera and lens and express himself/herself visually. Birders who become photographers generally outstrip avian photographers who have no birding background. Sweet work, with no doubt more to come.

[JayinMN]

Sweet shots, the babies are way too cute.

[toughguy]

My favorite MN bird for sure. Watching these guys attack a tree is a real treat. Great shots.

[Catmendo]

Interesting to see that the hatchlings are born "RED HEADS"!

[eyeguy 54]

Very cool!