Pileated Woodpecker

[Donkees]

[Bluestocking]

1. Ever wonder why woodpeckers have red coloration on their heads

There must be a reason

[Donkees]

7. Not all woodpeckers, there's a variety of crest colors such as the Blond-crested in Brazil:

The intensity of the red signals optimal health and breeding success in their territory. Younger birds have duller colors.

[niyad]

2. Beautiful.

[onethatcares]

3. beautiful bird

we have a male that stops by during mating season to beat the beejeezus outs our old oaks looking for bugs. If you have them hanging about you're a lucky person

[True Dough]

4. I can hear

the reverberation from here!

[Dear_Prudence]

5. Love your photos! Slow birdwatching?

Some years ago, I attended a conference at a lodge in a wooded park. During the after lunch break, there was a group hike into the woods. I have mobility issues and can't keep up, so I remained behind, sitting on a bench behind the lodge. I admit, I was having a bit of a pity party. Along comes a pileated woodpecker to entertain and delight me! That day I learned that staying put in nature while a noisy group tromps away is a wonderful experience. I recently read that some call it "slow birdwatching" so I guess that is what I stumbled upon. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

[Donkees]

8. The zen of experiencing birds feeling safe in your presence :)

[bmbmd]

6. Magnificent.

I saw one earlier this summer as it flew across a road at Lake Texoma, landed on a telephone pole, and gave me the evil eye. That was a lifer for me.