One of our neighborhood big birds, the pileated woodpecker, came for lunch today. He swooped in for a landing on top of the hopper feeder, and Bob spotted him feasting on the suet cake that is right below his “landing pad.” Leaning over the end of the feeder, he would grab a bite of suet, take a look around the neighborhood, then grab another bite. He was in no hurry to leave, and I had time to take a lot of photos.
He’s almost prehistoric-looking. Check out that beak and those claws. I wouldn’t want to get between him and his suet because he obviously loves it. Finally satisfied, he flew away, moving unbelievably fast! Maybe next time I’ll be quicker with my finger on the shutter button and get a better shot of the takeoff!
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
Terrific photo of the take-off. Wow! Love the curve of the wing.
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Thanks, Laurie. I was glad to catch at least some of the take-off. He’s a fast mover.
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What a treat!
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I am always delighted when he or his mate appear in the backyard buffet.
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You are blessed with these kind of visitors:)
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What a great catch! Love those “woody” woodpeckers!! Happy Easter Skip 🙂
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Happy Easter to you, Camille. I love it when they visit, especially when they hang around for a photo opp.
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Fantastic job capturing these photos
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Thanks for the kind words. I took a lot of shots, and because he was so attentive to his food, he never noticed me.
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