Pileated (pics included)

[Wayne Ek]

We have always had Pileated's around our place. Now I am watching 3 using the same suet feeder. They just rotate shifts up and down the oak tree that the feeder is secured to.

[Steve Foss]

They are the coolest birds. We've got them up here, of course, though I haven't had any yet at our feeder. I used to sit on a lawn chair outside the cabin near Bemidji and watch them eat suet from up close.

[WifeKidsandDog]

I can't wait to see one of these birds "in real life". My dentist was telling me he had one on his property down here so I'm hoping one will find its way to our suet feeders.

Cheryl

[toughguy]

Seeing one fly by, or sitting in a tree is one thing. Seeing one "attack" a tree is awesome. It doesn’t rapidly peck away like a little red head or hairy. It's a slower, more destructive chipping. It can leave a pile of woodchips on the ground below the tree. It should be called a Pileated Woodchipper.

[fishwidow]

You're right, Toughguy. We had a 12" diameter birch pecked all the way through in several places. The tree was dead, of course, and it wasn't long before it went down. They are a lot of fun to watch.

[Steve Foss]

My dad, who loves a good pun, used to call them dilapidated woodpeckers because of how beat up the Grand Forks, N.D., neighborhood box elder trees (prone to rot) were left after the pileateds were done with them.

[floating minnow]

These photos are lousy but I took them thru 100 year old dirty windows.I just love the few times I see them.

[WifeKidsandDog]

Quote:

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These photos are lousy ...

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NO, they are not! I love them (I love the out of focus highlights in the background, too). This bird is amazing. I have to go somewhere where I can see one --

Great pics

Cheryl

[WifeKidsandDog]

Anyone else got pics of the pileated? I would LOVE to see them ...

Cheryl

[buzzsaw]

Mine truly are not good... through the kitchen window last winter under low light conditions.

[floating minnow]

Thanks Cheryl,you are too kind.

Bruce