My quest is over!

[MN Shutterbug]

As many of you know, I've badly wanted a Pileated Woodpecker for a long time. Today, I'm thrilled to say, I accomplished my mission. I grabbed a few more shots while I was at it. I'd rate today as one of my top 3 fullfilling photo trips. I may just give the camera a little vacation.

[Dbl]

Congrats X! I like that second shot. My 7D is getting a vacation as well...at Canon!

[JohnK]

Super pileated shots X! So what's the next quest bird?

[Steve Foss]

Second shot for me too, X. Lots of drama in that taut pose. Cool to see you nailed it!

[bassmann77]

That second one is superb!! I had the pleasure of seeing one guy this past deer season and your pictures take me back.

[ShawnZ]

My goodness! Number two is a stunner, congratulations. Your persistence and passion has payed a handsome dividend.

[finnbay]

Good job, X! #2 for me as well.

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks, guys. I took me 350 miles, but it was well worth it.

I met this lady last spring, when I was looking for ospreys. She informed me that she gets the woodpeckers in her yard just about every day during winter, and told me I was welcome up there anytime. I kept in touch with her over the months and let her know I was heading up there today. Unfortunately, she was going to be gone all day, but told me she would leave one of her doors unlocked so if I needed to warm up or use the bathroom, I was welcome to do so. I had met this lady just once, and she trusts me with her house. She is amazing. She'll be getting a gift from me.

Anyway, I got to her place about 12:45 and set my blind up in a good looking spot. I hadn't been sitting for more than 3 minutes, when the pileated landed in a tree just 7 feet from my blind. That wasn't expected. Of course, my lens was sticking out the wrong porthole and I had a heck of a time keeping part of the blind out of the way, when swiveling the tripod. When I finally got the lens in position, he started dancing around the tree, and that's where the first and only shot, from that tree came from. I was excited to get that shot. He then landed on a feeder and I took a couple shots there, afraid I wouldn't get another chance. He flew off and about 10 minutes later, I spotted him on another tree about 50 feet away, going at a suet feeder nailed to the tree. Unfortunately, he wouldn't move. So, I started yelling at him. It got him curious enough to move away from the feeder and look around. That's how I got the last 2 shots. I do have more, but these are my favorites.

My next quest? This one will be even tougher, due to the few that inhabit this part of the country. It'll be even a longer drive. That will be the Golden Eagle. The Eagle Center will be doing a count this coming Saturday, in SE MN, part of WI and IA. I'll be contacting the head honcho next week, and see if I can get some tips of where to look. This next quest may not be over for a few years.

[Lundisnumber1]

Thanks for the pictures of the Pileated Woodpecker! I watched one everyday from my deer stand. It was so cool seeing your pictures... I have been thinking about bringing my Canon 40D along with my gun and start taking pictures. What lens and camera were you using? I deer hunt up Northwest of Bemidji so it is a haul as well.

[MN Shutterbug]

Lund, I shot all these with the Canon 50D and 100-400L lens. The 85mm would have worked on the first one.

You ever see a Golden Eagle over there? Do you ever get over to Whitewater State Park? That area is on my list.

[Lundisnumber1]

I had two immature bald eagles around my deer stand all weekend and my mom claims she saw an adult in our backyard in the crabapple tree. I believe her since I had been seeing the immatures so much. The only Golden I have seen is at the Eagle Center in Wabasha. I am not a raptor expert so spotting a Golden would be tough for me.

[Lundisnumber1]

Oh I am so jealous about the 100-400 lens.

[Canon Guy]

Nice Pileated! I got a shot of one about 6 years ago with my film camera but it was not a great shot. I've wanted to get one since I went digital but everytime I see one the camera is not handy and they don't sit still long. Great job!

[mmeyer]

Very nice Mike! Not only did you get some images, you got some great ones!! Well done my friend.

[Jim Almquist]

Great job on a great series. Glad to see your persistence paid off for you. I noticed that I have a male coming around to my suet feeder so I might just come up with a shot or 2.

[JayinMN]

Great shots Mike, number two is fantastic!

[fishinchicks]

I have to agree with the others. Number 2 is my favorite.

[WifeKidsandDog]

Wow, great shots. I've only ever seen a pileated once. Love the detail and pose in the second one.

[Birdsong]

Congratulations. I'm glad the drive was worth it. The second is probably the best pileated photo I have seen. Very pretty. I heard one at Camden yesterday, but I had Maggs with me. She would probably have a heart attack trying to go cross country right now. Short dog--deep snow. Or I'd lose her permanently--short white dog.

[Nymph]

Congrats on the fabulous shots, Mike. I really like that second shot also.

That is one bird I also have on my list.

I have a few located but I haven’t been able to get out and work them.

[Wayne Ek]

Great captures, I like the third shot, full subject coverage and great detail in the tree seems to add to the shot.

[dockothebay]

Very nice images - #2 is exceptional! There is a pileated hammering away at the seut feeder just outside my windo as I write this! We have had several around the cabin all winter - but they spook so easily - I know this one will be gone as soon as I get up to get my coffee . There's a female Hairy sitting in the tree waiting her turn!!