I've heard the strident call of the pileated woodpecker every once in a while for the past several years, but have never been close enough to one to get a good picture. This morning, I nearly lost my breath when a huge bird swooped directly over my head while I was walking near the woods, and landed within 10 feet of where I stood awestruck. He began digging for insects in the rotten, moss-covered tree branch directly in front of me, the red on his head bobbing repeatedly as he ate. I enjoyed the show for about 5 minutes, then he once again flew over my head and left ... never knowing how much his little show meant to me.
How absolutely beautiful, Sissy! Amazing the he was not fearful of you--he must know you are a part of the woods.
ReplyDeleteYou have the precious gift some photographers have(our brother has it)of being in the right place at the right time. What a gorgeous bird.