I heard a sharp chirp that I thought was a Red-bellied woodpecker, but instead, this is who I found, a female Pileated woodpecker out for her morning dine.In the photo below if you look closely, you can see her using her tongue to lift insects from under the bark. Otherwise, she is not such a dainty eater, sending chunks of bark and debris flying off the trunks most of the time. You don't want to be right under one of these gals while they're forgaging.
I followed her from tree to tree for as long as I could keep up. Below, one of the delights of our visit. She stopped to rest for a while and preened! What fun and what beauty!
I haven't been through all the images yet, so will have more to show you soon. Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #40 at Birdfreak.com to promote the conservation of our world's birds.
Nice photos! Especially good to get a photo of the bird lifting out an insect on her tongue. I wonder how much of the 'cuppa' you had while all that was going on!
ReplyDeletelol! None! Took me a while to finish that 'cuppa'.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I'll get a good look at a Pileated Woodpecker. I envy you right now. :)
ReplyDeleteNice photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots...it was worth putting off the cuppa ..till done..
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely blessed Vickie to get these birds in your own yard! I love the preening shot with the outstretched wing. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAwsome work! Great photo's! There was a crane pendant somewhere but no mention of the artist? Is that your work as well? Gourds are wonderful as well!
ReplyDeleteContinued success!
Thanks for your comments everyone!
ReplyDeleteLyn, the crane pendant is my design. The circle design around the crane is the same design I woodburn around my gourd art pieces. Thank you!
Cool....cool....cool!! I love seeing that little woodpecker tongue (although not so little on the pileated!). Lucky you to witness this--especially in your own backyard!! Great series of photos too...
ReplyDeleteVickie, your last shot is just amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove the shot from below of her preening!
ReplyDelete