Four images of the young Pileated Woodpeckers peeking out at the world beyond their nest cavity. Posting 7 of 8 in this series of postings on the Pileated Woodpecker family. GO To http://www.pbase.com/hankvv/image/149565565 for the start of the series (1 of 8).

The two young are quite large already; however, I've only seen them sticking their heads out for the past week. Prior to that Mom and Dad always either went into the cavity or simply bent in to feed the young. Presently I still saw Mom once enter the nest cavity with the two young. None were visible through the hole; hence, I suspect that the cavity is quite deep - probably some 45 cm (18")

Top Image; The young female checking out the outside world through the nest hole.


The young male now takes a long look.


The female wants another look and attempts to push Big Brother aside.


Big Brother won't move, so Sister pushes her way in and they both look out.

Note: The young repeatedly looked every which way - up, down, east & west to see what lies beyond the safety of their nest cavity. It being quite hot this day, both young are at times panting with their beaks open. They were also calling for one of the adults whom was searching for food in a nearby tree.