This is not a crop, I was only about 8 feet from the suet feeder when this big guy flew in. I was frightened to move much so this was all I could get! He has been coming in the evening for the last few days and is very skittish.
Wow. Unbelievable. I am very fond of these birds. I consider the day my little son and I saw a pileated woodpecker in the woods one of the best days of my life. Thanks for sharing.
Great shot! I have just been reading about this bloke's extinct(?) cousin, the Ivorybill Woodpecker in National Geographic Dec '06. Keep the camera ready - you never know...
Now to explore the rest of your outstanding galleries.
Tony