Yesterday I was sitting quietly at the table when a large Pileated Woodpecker landed on a tree in the yard. This was one of those 4 second bird visits when you hardly have time to grab your phone, let alone move to a better view. And I only had my iphone with me. And my view was through the screen door. So. sorry for the low quality picture, but this was memorable, so at least this proves that it happened!
I quickly called Mrs. F.G. so she got to see it too, but it flew away almost immediately. Oh for my other camera, looking out a different window!
In other news I've just got off the phone and laptop with a nice young lady at the library in Thornbury, trying to record my presentation on waterfalls using Zoom. But she could not get the audio feed working. We tried everything we could think of with no luck, so we've rescheduled for next week. Otherwise another quiet day inside.
I too have only seen a Pileated Woodpecker a few times and yes they were very fleeting when they did appear for a few seconds.
ReplyDeleteI remember one that knocked into one of the windows at my parent's place in Muskoka. I sat with it until it regained its senses and flew off.
ReplyDeleteWe have one here that we see once in a while. Always a treat to see one.
ReplyDeleteOne year we had extended views of Pileated Woodpecker on one of the trails in Rondeau Park. The pair must have been nesting in the area as they hung around regularly. That's the only time we've had a good look at them, so special to see these striking birds.
ReplyDeleteGood job considering the circumstances! We were hiking one day when one was knocking big holes in a snag in front of us. It went on not even paying any attention to us humans!
ReplyDeleteI saw one a couple of years ago at Sunnybrook and was amazed at the size of it. You did well to get any image at all!
ReplyDeleteWe have had a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers around here for several years. We think they were siblings as they were rather small when we first saw them. Sometimes they are together and occasionally we see singles. They are a sight!!
ReplyDeleteI had a pileated yesterday as well. He was at the fat and wouldn't show much of himself.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having a pileated in your yard. I've kept a list of birds seen in or over our yard for years and it's now at 119 species -- it's been fun. Zoom is a great way to electronically visit friends and family or to give presentations -- when there are no glitches.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have a Pileated woodpecker in your backyard!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise to see that visitor!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a magnificent bird! Glad you were honored with a visit.
ReplyDeleteI am never quick enough to capture any such quick appearances by birds. You did well!
ReplyDeleteGreat sighting, they are awesome yard birds. Take care, have a happy day. Have a great weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteA Pileated Woodpecker is not especially rare, but for a big, loud, gaudy bird it can be awfully difficult to find.
ReplyDeletea magnificent sighting, the image just records the thrill of the moment!! i have never seen one, never, not ever, so i am very happy for you!!
ReplyDeletemy youngest son mike has been home, i have been spending time with him, he drove all the way from north carolina so i did not want to be on the computer while he was here!! i am catching up now on visits!! thanks for understanding!!