I love this photo.
While stationed at Fort Leonardwood, I heard the most amazing bird “call” that was unfamiliar. Researched online (the internet was new) and many bird books. Narrowed my research to a pileated woodpecker. My research deduced I would have to stalk this bird for a good view.
At the time, we had 5 acres. I meticulously hung suet several acres out, then would move it closer to my backyard.
Finally!
One morning I awoke with a beautiful, large, “shy” pileated woodpecker feeding off my deck!
I cherish those pictures!
> pileated woodpecker
We get them here in MA. That’s a great idea, I’m going to try it!
-SB
Yes they are very shy and hard to get a good picture. They are ferocious eaters and that suet cage is a large one. We always hear them when we are outside before we see them. They have a wide feeding range, and love old woods, big old trees with lots of bugs.