First Pileated

[micpic]

After 27 years of bird feeding at the same site I finally got a Pileated to take one of my suet feeders.

These are upside down suet feeders. They keep the trashy birds out of your suet but woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees are ok with them.

I think I'll need more suet now!

[Ufatz]

Delighted to see you had a visit. We have had them in abundance around our little shack for the past 80-years.

[Dotch]

Congrats micpic! We just had our first one a year ago. I like your suet feeder design although it would likely mean there would be no more starlings to shoot at from the sliding glass door.

[MN Shutterbug]

Congratulations. I just hope that he's a regular for you.

[Steve Foss]

Cool deal, man. Easily my favorite woodpecker. Hope your Mrs. Pileated keeps coming back, and brings the Mr. along too.

[micpic]

Thanks everyone. She's been back three more times so far!

Mike

[DonBo]

Okay, I'll bite. How can you tell it's a female?

[Steve Foss]

Males have red on the head extending all the way to the bill, and some red on the cheek streak instead of solid black.

[DonBo]

Thanks Steve. I never knew that. Live and learn...

[JayinMN]

Aren't they just the coolest woodpeckers ever? Well worth the 27 years of waiting!