Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) Photo Gallery by Charlie Lentz at pbase.com

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Words cannot describe my experience(s) in photographing these Pileated Woodpeckers. All photographs were taken within 100 yards of my house. During the Spring of 2004 and 2005, they seemed to be attracted to the reflections on my autos parked either in my driveway or on the street. I thought 2004 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience but such was not the case. The Spring of 2005 was my most rewarding photographic experience. Although 2006 did not bring a repeat performance, I was still able to take a photo of an adult Pileated feeding his young. It is now 10 years later and no Pileated Woodpeckers have been seen on MY property since that experience. I hope you enjoy these photographs.

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Pileated Woodpecker #56	Pileated Woodpecker 18.JPG	Pileated Woodpecker 45.JPG	Pileated Woodpecker 46.JPG	Pileated Woodpecker 34.JPG
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Leeann		25-Jan-2017 13:01
I just saw the first one I have ever seen! He is absolutely beautiful. At least 12-14 inches tall. He is eating at my wooden suet feeder. I'm in Northern Virginia. Just lovely!

Stephen		31-May-2016 16:37
Gosh, what a great experience. I live in Virginia Highlands and I can hear him beating his tree every morning but just can't seem to find him with the camera.

Jane Haywood		03-May-2016 12:21
Just saw him land on my porch rail, what a beautiful bird, at least 14 to 15" tall with the beautiful red dome on his head. He is destroying our redwood porch rails, with huge holes, eating carpenter bees in our house trim. We live in north Georgia, first saw his wing span and thought it was a hawk landing. Hope to see him again!

jack		26-Jan-2016 21:44
Redheaded woodpecker my front yard 12to14" tall

jack		26-Jan-2016 21:42
Got one in my front yard it is a least 12 to14"tall wish I could catch him.

Guest		14-Jan-2016 18:46
Brighton, Michigan. We are in a heavily wooded sub and back up to a 350 acre wetlands. There are at least one pair living here. Love the call. Feels like we are in the jungle.

Barbara Deuel		27-Jul-2015 16:45
I live in Pennsylvania and we have them come to our bird feeder outside our picture window. They are so beautiful we have about 2 sets comingin to feed with the other birds. We have 2 other type of woodpeckers that feed also. We live in Lancaster Pennsylvania in the woods.Barbara

William A Whittemore		23-May-2015 06:22
We have these buge red headed woodpeckers that are in our yard And woods every Summwe they look just like Woody the woodpecker. . Beautiful .. and they dont seem to fear us. I guess their used to us, here in Powell's Crossroads Tennessee.

Guest		02-May-2015 22:14
The sound they make is more like call. When the pileatec woodpecker came on my back yard trees I had to stand there and look .this is something to talk about

Sonja		13-Apr-2015 21:21
OK I know this sounds crazy, but my dad and I were sitting at the kitchen table last week and he told me to come and look at this huge woodpecker on my tree. Not only was it the biggest woodpecker I have ever seen but it was almost all white, with a few black tail feathers, and red on his crown. I have been watching but have yet to see it again. I live in sw. Michigan.

Ann Pettigrew		27-Jan-2015 21:24
Wow! What an amazing collection of pileateds! I have never heard of them landing on cars and here you have it happening several times! Fascinating! V

willis McClour		01-Sep-2014 23:09
Very nice pictures. We saw our first one 5 years ago. Then this spring another one. Ugliest bird I've ever saw. About 18' tall. He seems to like our suet feeders. Your pictures make him beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Oklahoma.

Charlie Lentz		28-Aug-2014 15:56
Thanks for commenting, Jen. As my photos suggest, I had them all around me for a 2 "Springtime" period. But then they stopped coming around. I hear them quite frequently and get a glimpse of one on occasion, but nothing like back in 2004 and 2005. That was a "twice" in a lifetime experience. They sure are a fascinating bird. Sorry to hear about the damage. I did have two cracked rear view mirrors from them pecking.

Jen		27-Aug-2014 16:53
I live in the Poconos. Moved to a new house last fall and in early spring my son called attention to a bird hammering away at a dead tree near our patio. I have never, ever saw a woodpecker this big! We thought it was a freak of nature. Now we see them on a regualr basis. Just yesterday, I saw three in a tree outside our bedroom window. Unfortunately, they do some damage to our log home. We have had carpenter ant infestations because the WP's destroy their 'homes" and they move into ours. Also, had damage to porches and roofs. But they sure are beautiful!!

Guest		09-Jun-2014 00:14
We have been having a pileated woodpecker pecking away at a header over our back porch. The wood is infested with the larvae of some boring bees and apparently this woodpecker must love to eat them. He is really tearing into those boards. I find it amusing but my wife is upset by it.

Elaine ElroD		12-May-2014 18:08
I live on the shores of Lake Lanier. Was visited , again, this morning by this magnificent bird. He seems to particularly like huge sycamore tree between house and lake.

Linda Houck		09-May-2014 00:27
Today, a large water oak that was alive only on one side, fell down. Nearly instantly a huge bird came down and started eating larva out of the decayed holes. I took photos and used the Internet to find out it was a Pileated Woodpecker! I had never seen one and it made quite an impression on me. I live in town, in Burleson County, Texas

Guest		25-Apr-2014 23:06
Later this afternoon we were visited by a male pileated woodpecker. He was searching for food in our trees and tree stumps. We then heard a female high in an oak tree and were able to see them actually mate. After the mating the male flew off to a nearby tree. She remained in the same tree, but not long after, the male flew off followed shortly by the female. We hope they come back! Amazing to see. Newton, New Hampshire

Rick Moser		15-Apr-2014 04:43
We had a very large Pileated Woodpecker stop by yesterday and today! This is the first time I have ever seen one in real life and I was awestruck! The bird is magnificent! Hopefully I will even have my camera out if he makes it back through. Two days in a row, I hope he is here for a little while longer!

L. Mike Streetman		21-Mar-2014 13:43
Fantastic Pix! We have a pair on our farm in Watkinsville, Ga. We love all the birds that come to the backyard to feed but the Pileated make us stop whatever we are doing and watch the majesty of these birds. Mike and Clarinda Streetman.

Guest		10-Mar-2014 16:26
We just had a Pileated pass through a few minutes ago, which is how I ended up on your page. Great photos! I wish I had time to get a picture. The large bird landed in an Oak in front of our house (we live on 5 wooded acres) and proceeded to fly to a few different trees around the house before I lost site of him. That made my day. :)

Guest		02-Mar-2014 21:11
I just a beautiful large one yesterday near my house in Ridgefield, CT. It made my day - I haven't seen one on 20 years!

Jerry S		24-Feb-2014 01:41
Just finished a hike through the Hudson Ohio city park which runs through the back of our property and saw Living close to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park we get to see these on a fairly frequent basis. To see a mated pair though was a real treat!

Guest		10-Feb-2014 13:57
Absolutely magnificent pictures. Thanks so much for sharing them. We are vacationing in Florida and saw one yesterday on top of a telephone pole- looked smaller, so we are thinking it could be an adolescent. We have only once had one at our bird feeder in Columbus, Ohio. This is the bird i yearn to see and photograph- lucky you for your great experiences and photos! Thanks again for sharing.

Marge		22-Sep-2013 22:38
I live in Stone Mountain,Ga. My friend and I were sitting on my swing in the backyard. Suddenly, we heard some serious and rapid pecking. I looked over towards a tree and saw a huge WP. I knew what it was but was so mesmerized that I didn't go get my camera. I saw it again several weeks later, just working a fallen tree out. The effect was the same. This occurred in June 2013.

Janet		28-Jul-2013 13:18
Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures. Wer have had occasional visits by these beautiful birds to our deck in lake County Ohio - I see them through the sliding glass doors - so no good pics....was just walking into diningroom and saw TWO facing each other on a branch hanging low by deck railing - one feeding the other (maybe suet from the feeder the eat from in the winter). What a sight - the flew away within a few seconds - but what a spectacular sight!..less than 20 feet from the window! We have a wooded ravine out back that they visit.

Guest		23-May-2013 10:43
Central NY - I've had a regular Pileated visitor over the past few months. Most recently he has allowed me approach him while he is feeding on an old stump of a tree. I've got some amazing shots with my camera. He appears to like posing for me as well. Yesterday he hopped over to me and came within abut 5 feet. I visit him on the stump almost every morning now. He is an enchanting addition to our backyard bird oasis. I can only hope he continues to visit.

Brian ( Kiwi)		20-May-2013 00:45
I just saw a shadow across the lawn while having a coffee in the sun room, in Fayette county Pa, I looked through the window and saw what looked like a terydactile, it was huge, It landed in a tree and did its woodpecker thing, what a fantastic bird, it made my day.

Guest		13-May-2013 14:20
spotted a Pileated Woodpecker at the Medlock Bridge Park off 141 in John's Creek, GA on 5-11-13 This park gives access to the Chattahoochee River in suburban Atlanta. Quite a happy surprise!

Mary		02-Apr-2013 20:57
Just saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers in my back garden. I live in a wooded area in Fayette County, GA. Does anyone know what they eat? I'd like to keep them around. Thanks

Guest		31-Mar-2013 15:53
We live in a wooden area of Western PA, and have a number of different woodpeckers come to the feeders. The last week of March 2013, we have been watching two Pileated Woodpeckers ripping holes into our Popular trees. I was able to take pictures from our house windows.

Guest		28-Mar-2013 17:36
I live in Kawartha Lakes - day 2 of seeing a pair of Pileated woodpeckers on my side yard. we live beside the lake, I was under the impression they like dense wooded areas - not so here. Beautiful birds. This is the 3rd year they have been around but it is usually only a quick visit. This is the first time we have seen a pair together, they must be nesting.

Guest		26-Mar-2013 21:58
Just saw a pileated woodpecker in the back yard way up in a tall oak. How exciting. This morning saw 6 wild turkeys and a large fox this weekend. What a wonderful place this is. Palmetto GA

sue		19-Mar-2013 21:59
yes just saw one in my back yard thought i was seeing thing how beautful

Guest		16-Mar-2013 16:56
Just had the pleasure of seeing a pileated in my backyard. Amazingly beautiful bird with such vibrant color! Such a treat! Had never seen one so close up before!

Guest		23-Feb-2013 20:52
Watching 2 male pileated woodpeckers at the feeders. Males, females and babies are regulars! Scotch creek, BC

Guest		23-Feb-2013 02:02
Had a pleated at edge of our backyard woods today happily working on dead tree limb that was on the ground! Wish could have gotten a picture! Newnan,Georgia

Guest		15-Jan-2013 19:46
great shots.. i'm in middle ga. and saw a beautiful wood pecaker. still not sure if it was a pileated or an ivory billed... now i know the difference and can't wait to see him again...

Guest		16-Aug-2012 15:28
I just saw 2 of the Pileated Woodpeckers. They flew in and landed in a big Blackjack tree. We sat & watched them for about 15 min. We are in Chandler Ok.

Brenda		27-Jun-2012 15:59
Just heard a disturbed murder of crows while sitting in my kitchen in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, Canada. Looked out the kitchen window...and there was the giant apeliated woodpecker...amazing! I guess the crows were not happy...but I sure was

Oldhuldy		14-Jun-2012 12:19
I've a house on acre, mostly wooded surrounded by Lake Alatoona in Georgia. My woodframe chimney had a 4-6 inch hole pecked into the shady side last year but I'v seen no bird activity in or out since. I have heard the hammering in the neighborhood, but no sighting until this morning when a large, crow sized pileated WP landed on one of the large, old pine trees. They sure are handsome birds...pesty, but pretty.

Joseph bush		16-May-2012 22:54
I was in my yard and heard tapping sounds on a dead tree I look to see on of these birds poking at the tree,I never seen that kind of bird before so I grabbed my camera and took 10 pictures before he saw me and flew off,the only thing is this one looks a lot gigger the the ones you have posted here!!!!! I live in up state New York

Guest		16-May-2012 15:46
Loved your photographs of this magnificent Woodpecker. My husband and I were sitting on our front porch this morning and couldn't believe our eyes when we saw this huge, brightly-colored WP sail in and perch in a dead tree in our neighbor's yard across the street. We live in College Station, TX and have never seen one of this magnitude. He was stunning. We only wish he had stayed around longer for my husband to photograph with his telephoto lens.

bird lover		17-Sep-2011 02:18
My husband and I just visited Fort Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor Michigan. We watched two of the pileated wps for almost 15 minutes pecking in and around some dead tree stumps looking for insects. As they were both the same colors and about the same size, I think it was a daddy and his baby boy. One seemed to be almost talking like a baby everytime he found something to eat! It was an awesome opportunity. We do have them near Grand Rapids, but have never had the chance to watch them out in the open and be so close to them. Your pix were beautiful and fun to look at. We travel with an umbrella cockatoo so are familiar with the personalities and sounds that these wonderful creatures exhibit.

blake buice		12-Sep-2011 13:58
Im 27 and every summer as far back as i can remember i have had 1 or 2 make the back side of our property around a lake their summer home in savannah. They have helped chop down at least 25 trees over the years.

saumyaa		04-Jul-2011 11:06
wonderful pic

Guest		04-Jul-2011 11:05
nice pic

patrick		09-Jun-2011 19:54
I ALSO have these beautiful but annoying birds going after carpenter bee eggs - creating huge holes and gouges in the face of the outermost rafter of the gable over my screen porch. I was aware of a carpenter bee hole on the back side of that rafter, and now the bird damage has revealed that the bee dug channels that must go 6 inches laterally into that plank. I knew there was a good reason not to want carpenter bees sniffing around the roof line! I'm in north Decatur, GA.

Guest		26-May-2011 17:32
We have a lot of these in our Indiana yard...yesterday, we saw one with a golden top instead of red. We are assuming it has to be the same species due to the body and everyhting else looking the same, just different color on top.

Guest		24-May-2011 20:49
may 24 2011 near pittsburg saw my first giant woodpecker , back yard in flight. riley

Guest		18-May-2011 21:13
saw tow today that are eating my stair rails to get the carpenter bees that have layed eggs in the wooden deck and rails. The damm things are annoying....

Guest		14-May-2011 03:04
Wonderful pictures. We have one here in Albany, NY. I was able to get about a foot away from him today and take a bunch of pictures. What a beautiful bird!

Guest		09-May-2011 10:32
Thanks for the pics-beautiful-what I thought was someone chopping down a small tree out in back of our patio was this beautiful woodpecker. I grabbed my camera and was able to get five great shots. Hope it comes back! Bristol, CT

Guest		26-Apr-2011 20:40
Just saw one yesterday working it's way up and down a big dead willow tree.It was flipping the bark left and right.What a sight! Never seen one before here in Swisher, Iowa.

Lee		20-Apr-2011 19:25
Just saw one in the south pasture...Canton, NC

Todd Fibus		16-Apr-2011 23:00
We live in subdivision of Atlanta that's heavily developed. Yet we have a couple of pileated neighbors who have been coming to our suet feeders regularly for years. They announce their arrivals with the "whoop-whoop-whoop" call. They are incredibly shy; when we here an incoming we freeze and they seem to tolerate our presence on a deck within a about 20 feet.

Guest		04-Apr-2011 22:35
Your site is just great.

Dick Thompson		04-Apr-2011 22:32
Live in Gahanna Ohio and saw my first one 4-3-11. Came by 2times yesterday afternoon. What a beautiful bird gave me goosebumps. Live at Morse and Hamilton Rds.

Guest		15-Mar-2011 13:40
In northern Wisc I have seen 4 on a tree at once. They are my favorite. I have been watching live eagle cam and checked to see if there was a live cam for this species. Nice pictures!

Shaffer		05-Feb-2011 19:42
Two Pileated Woodpeckers in our backyard today, in Decatur GA (Winnona Park neighborhood). Very beautiful birds, for sure!

Mark Gallant		29-Jan-2011 04:41
Where I live in Dahlonega, Ga...I have seen at least one Pileated WP once or twice in the winter for the last 6 years...I figure it is between 12-15 inches..it always seems to go to the same dead trees...it makes a sound that I can only call a "scream" very eerie....I think I will hang a mirror out there.

Guest		21-Jan-2011 22:04
Thank you for the stunning photographs; I'm 56 and have only seen two in my life. I saw my second in our backyard this week.

Guest		20-Dec-2010 01:39
Sherry Ermer Have this Pileated pecker in my back yard, what a site; 1st time I've ever heard of them; he's making a huge (2 1/2 feet) hole in our tree.

Guest		07-Nov-2010 02:05
I have one also i see it & here it in the forest behind my home i live in bibb county macon ga.when he taps on the oak tree it sounds like a jack hammer. For some reason he is fasinated with post oaks my hickory & pecan trees possibly the insects inside them not sure.this is the first time ive ever seen 1 they are an awesome site to see.

Pam		01-Nov-2010 18:01
I notice when my husband and I camp that there are signs which inform RV owners to cover their mirrors because wood peckers will peck them! I have a pileated woodpecker in the woods across form my house..I took several pics with the telephoto but maybe I can encourage her to come closer with a mirror!! It is such a blessing to photograh this giant wood peckers!! How God blesses you with many more opportunities to photograph nature!

Guest		13-Oct-2010 15:26
We live in Georgia, a little north of Atlanta. We have 5 of them around on a semi-regular basis.

Guest		17-Sep-2010 00:31
I live in Knowlton, Quebec, Canada and heard a loud noise coming from a nearby forest. I made my way in through the trees and was amazed by the size of this bird. Yes, a rewarding experience for sure. Hope to see him again.

Guest		13-Sep-2010 22:38
I live near Baton Rouge, LA and just saw one a couple weeks ago working on a tree in my neighbors back yard. That was the first one I've seen around here since I was a kid. It's probably been 25-30 years ago. Tried to take a pic, but I couldn't get close enough with my iPhone. Thanks for sharing yours. My kids will enjoy seeing them.

Guest		09-Sep-2010 14:32
I saw one on a tree in back of my lanai in Naples FL. At first, I couldn't figure out what kind of bird it was....it was so big and beautiful. I found my answer online. I've never seen a peckerwood so large. Only saw it once...haven't seen it since but keep looking. It's wonderful to see a bird for the first time!

Theron Rogers		28-Aug-2010 19:28
They stop by here (Gainesville, GA) for a couple of weeks every year. They tear up the fascia boards on my house looking for carpenter bee larva. Had the fascia all replaced last fall, now I have to do it again. You can tell it is a pileated by the unique sound they make when you scare them away. Fun to watch, but is it worth several hundred dollars each year? I think I will use Hardiplank this time. Thanks for the pics.

Barbara		02-Jul-2010 10:53
thank you for sharing these wonderful pics! i have been visited by one of these magnificent birds several times over the past 10 years in front of my house in upstate new york. i wish i could get him to sit still for just one photograph! thanks again!

Doug		30-Jun-2010 20:02
I got one of these big birds around my house. He comes and goes but been here a few years. Are they indangered? And if so should I let some park or zoo know? I got some big owls here too. I live near Tyler Texas.

Jackie Foster		12-Jun-2010 19:07
Wonderful pictures thank you I really enjoyed them. I live in Indianapolis and our property backs up to a woods. I was alone in the house and had just moved to this house and heard a racket and went to the back of house to look out, and there hanging from my bird feeder was a large bird and then I realized it was a woodpecker. Looked up woodpeckers and there it was. What a sight. and sound. Now we have seen the pair of them and now they have at least on baby who I have seen them feed it. Jackie Foster

J perry		30-May-2010 19:16
I have seen this giant woodpecker numerous times in our wooded area..he is so vividly colored and allusive..I did get a picture tho.

Guest		29-May-2010 00:45
I lived in Covington Louisiana. Back in 1973 we use to see them in a area east of Abita Springs, near a place called Money Hill. This bird was once thought to be extinct. I have seen them while hunting in this area many times. You will know that you seen one when they start hammering on a tree.

Guest		20-May-2010 21:46
We just saw this woodpecker in our back yard! We are awe struck....did not even know they existed. We just looked up with google " huge Michigan woodpecker" and found your page and our bird! This will be a great story to share.

Guest		09-May-2010 16:03
Camping at Chico State Park in Louisiana today and just witnessed the first Giant Redheaded Woodpecker in 62 years. What a beautiful sighting! It was making a loud chirping noise that sounded like a squirrel.

Guest		06-May-2010 13:19
These are fantastic shots. For those who have commented about these birds damaging your homes or belongings, might I suggest you place a 'sacrificial' piece of old timber on your property. They are simply loooking for bugs and such. If they are drilling into the wood on your home, you might want to say "Thank you" and call an exterminator to check for termites, ants, or bees that might be invading your home.

Guest		30-Apr-2010 18:01
I found an eggshell the other day in the area of a downed tree, which had been used as a nest. We've watched these birds for years but can't figure out this one.

birdlover		19-Apr-2010 16:00
This post is for the "guest" who commented on April 7, 2010. I hope you did not grab gun and shoot the pileated woodpecker that was doing so much "damage" to your property. Most folks would pay the price just to be able to see and photograph these wonderful creatures created by God. They own the sky and the air above the ground that we feel that we "own".

Hunter		18-Apr-2010 16:34
Just heard, but didn't see a Pileated this morning while working in the garden. It hasn't been that long since they were quite common, but the surge in building new houses on every available plot of ground (most of them foreclosed on now) has caused a severe decline in the presence of the Pileated Woodpecker here. Maybe Nature has a way of caring for its own. I certainly hope so.

Guest		07-Apr-2010 02:34
Ya there wonderful when they scratch up your new truck and boat cause they see there reflection, and it just loves my log house, lots of money spent on repairs due to this "beautiful" bird. I hope everyone can enjoy the same experience I've received.

Bonnie		06-Apr-2010 14:06
I am 55 years old and have wanted to see one of these birds my entire life. God just blessed me with my first sighting this morning! What an experience!!!!

Sally		30-Mar-2010 21:41
The pictures are wonderful. I just saw a Pileated in my back yard chipping away at a dead tree stump. What a beauty...I wish my daughter had witnessed this. I hope that he will return to visit again and perhaps become a regular here in Stafford, VA. Sally

THOMAS NAGLE		24-Feb-2010 19:57
I too have been bless with this beautiful bird, my question isare they building a nest or looking for food.

Steve Fortson		20-Feb-2010 22:39
I just saw a beautiful Pileated Woodpecker pecking on a old tree in western Montgomery county in Dayton Ohio. It was a male and he was amazing. At first I thought it was a Ivory Billed, but after checking some pictures, and hearing some recording of the Pileated, I almost 100% sure. Plus Ivory Billed don't nest this far north.

Beth Robertson		15-Feb-2010 02:41
Your photographs are beautiful! I Love these woodpeckers. I have seen several in my yard this winter. I took some pictures just yesterday of a pair high up in a pine tree in the front yard. They are very curious birds!!

Ethel Jalbert		14-Feb-2010 14:33
These are awesome photos! I have seen a pileated 3-4 times over many years. The most impressive was when a hammerring sound caught my attention. I looked out, and in a dead tree not 20 feet away, a huge woodpecker was chipping away. The chips were flying all over the place! It was such fun to watch. My husband tried taking photos and he/she flew away and we never saw it again. We did hear the hammering on occassion but it was down in a swampy area, we could not get to. We are on a different property now and we have had a glimpse and heard the hammering. We plan to leave the dead trees to encourage them to stay. They are an impressive bird!

Beverlee		09-Feb-2010 19:47
You are so lucky. These are great pictures. I have been watching three in my neighborhood...a couple and a single. I was amazed when I first saw these wonderful birds. Now I recognize the sound of their laughter. I want to start photographing them. Thank you for sharing your photos.

Guest		12-Jan-2010 16:01
Amazing!

Cindy Barney		07-Jan-2010 15:24
I saw two in a HUGE oak tree this morning. Is it true that they only go for trees that are rotting, attempting to get to insects inside the dying tree? That is the most beautiful and most magnificient oak on our property. It's right behind our house with limbs hanging over the house. By the way What AWESOME Pix!!! That is absolutely amazing that you were able to get so close! They are a hoot! Cindy B:>

Guest		01-Dec-2009 01:41
guest: we now have the great pleasure of seeing mr. dryolopus pileatus in our back yard in chandler, ok. unbelieveable.

Karen		06-Jul-2009 02:56
I, also, was lucky today in getting some beautiful pictures of a Pileated in my backyard. I had just hang a new seed & suet in the tree yesterday and guess who showed up today? What a sight! Could not believe the size. My husband said we had several Pileated Woodpeckers a couple years ago.

Sygna		25-Jun-2009 00:27
Dear Charlie, Thanks for sharing your spectacular gallery with us all! It's wonderful. Tonight, I missed by 30 seconds, the sight of a Pileated in my yard. My husband called to me, but I was too slow. I have been enjoying feeding the Downys, the Hairys, Flickers, and the large red headed fellows all spring. We do have a pair of Pileated in the local swamp. I am thinking of getting some meal worms somewhere and baiting a dead tree in the back yard.

Guest		23-Jun-2009 15:21
I just saw five of these amazing creatures! I have never seen one before. I heard hammering and looked out to find two birds hanging on the eaves of the porch. I could only see the wing span and thought a hawk or vulture must be caught somehow. Then they moved to a nearby tree where three more were pecking and I could see what they really were. Your photos are wonderful! Cathy, Upatoi GA

Judy		18-Jun-2009 12:13
Yesterday, Wed, June 17, 2009, a pileated woodpecker returned once again. We first saw him two Summers ago but not last Summer. Yesterday I was standing by my kitchen window when he flew to the side of a tree in our backyard. He flew off quickly, but I was so excited to see him. I am sure it is the same bird we saw two years ago. We have lived in Leroy, Ohio, for 31 years and have never seen one of these woodpeckers ... at least not until 2007.

Marilynn		14-Jun-2009 15:57
I have been trying to identify 3 large birds I saw in my yard yesterday.At first I thought it was a regular woodpecker because I heard the pecking but when I looked up I was amazed at its' size!My next door neighbor was in his yard.I gestured quietly to him and as we watched,2 more showed up.They didn,t have much white as these pics.Is it possible they are still pileated woodpeckers?Size &shape are same.I hope they come back.I'm going to keep my camera ready.

R. Katz		12-Jun-2009 17:43
I live in Poughkeepsie, NY. While doing some planting, I heard an unfamiliar bird call and when I looked up there was this huge pileated woodpecker on the big oak tree not 15 feet from me. I can't tell you how excited I was to see this gorgeous bird.

linkay		20-May-2009 18:20
Hi gang! I am now on the list of lucky property owner that has had a newcomer arriveto our area today! He is huge, and therefor I was shocked at the size of this woodpecker!

Guest		08-May-2009 21:03
Love your photos! I'd never seen a pileated until I moved to West Virginia. We have them on our property here. The first time I saw one, I thought I'd landed in Jurassic Park! -- Claudia

guest		04-May-2009 22:58
I just saw one in the woods in back of my house. It was huge! At first I thought it was somekind of vulture then ran got my binocs. Wow - I was so excited to see your amazing photos. Newnan Ga.

Bob		31-Mar-2009 10:35
Thank you for sharing your photographic fun. We found a large gouge in a down tree and wondered what could have caused it--maybe a bear or porcupine? No, said the neighbor. Might be a pileated. Which brought me to your site. Thanks again. North Central Ohio

Sandy		16-Feb-2009 20:50
2/16/09. What a beautiful sunny day East of Cleveland, Ohio. Put up a blueberry suet on my birdfeeder and looked out the window. Mr. "Woody" Pileated Woodpecker was on it eating away. What a beautiful creature!

Julie		03-Jan-2009 13:03
Thanks for enhancing my first siting of these grand creatures! Wonderful shots and I also enjoyed other parts of your photo gallery.

Kimberly Byrne		02-Dec-2008 17:30
I live in southeastern michigan in a wooded area and I am always so excited when I see these giant woodpeckers in my big old oak trees! I described them to friends as looking a lot like David Bowie. There is a family of crows (or a "murder of crows"... or ravens? Not quite sure) that also live in the woods behind my house and the woodpecker is about that size. Love it and just love your pictures!!

Me, Marie		04-Nov-2008 18:50
Absolutely Stunning Shots !!!! I believe we have two pair living close to our house in the woods. I am amazed by these birds. My family thought I was crazy when I told them about my first sighting! So I video taped him climbing on our wood pile - they don't think I'm crazy any more. Again, thanks for letting us share your "woodpecker antics" !!

Glen Allen		02-Sep-2008 02:16
What I wouldn't give to see one of these.. flip him the keys to the cars and send him north!!

Guest		28-Aug-2008 15:29
The pictures are just great. I just saw one of the big boys on the side of a tree beside my house. I ran inside my house to get my camera, then ran back outside, but i couldnt spot him, he had moved further away. I still could hear him scolding me for disturbing him. I will be watching for him now, i have seen alot of red headed woodpeckers, but nothing like this one. The date is AUG.28-08 830 AM. I live in the river valley in Arkansas

Guest		08-Jun-2008 03:36
We have a pileated woodpecker living in our yard right now here in NE PA. My husband said he saw a few babies out by our shed. This bird is very sneaky....I swear that he knows when I have my camera in hand. He either flies away or goes around the tree to where I can't see him. I'll get him yet!!! Great job on the pics....could be a twin of the bird I have in my yard.

Katy Daley		12-May-2008 02:44
Whatta character this one is ! GOTTA LOVE 'EM !!!

guest		01-May-2008 01:17
My husband spotted one close to our birdfeeders in our backyard, at April 24, 2008. He was pecking on a rotted tree trunk for some time. He let my husband get quite close, and he took around thirty photos. Wish we had a better camera. Hope he visits again. We live in south-eastern Ohio.

T & R		30-Apr-2008 15:44
We live 1000 feet off a main road, and out our back window we saw TWO pileated woodpeckers pecking on our trees! We watched them pick off 2, foot long chunks of bark. They were much larger then crows!

Barbara Chamberlin		02-Apr-2008 20:05
I saw my first Pileated Woodpecker about 30 mins ago outside chipping away at a small stump in my front yard. We live in East Texas in a very wooded area and this bird is magnificent to see. Thanks for sharing your pics which made it easy to identify my bird.

Cheryl		30-Mar-2008 12:54
WOW!! I moved to Georgia 18 months ago and found I have a Pilated Woodpecker living in an old (but very much alive) pecan tree just outside a kitchen window. I have watched him many times over the past 2 or 3 weeks and am amazed at his activity level. It pecks at a branch for a couple of times, then moves up a couple of feet and does it again, all the way to the top of the tree. Then I watch it fly away to what looks like a dead tree off into the woods. It's really a cool sight!

Bruce		21-Mar-2008 14:10
Wow, Nice photos... There are several Piliated WP's around my house, but I can't seem to get close enough to photograph them. They are so skiddish. I have a Canon SLR digital with 135mm. What lens are you using to reach out like that? Bruce,

Michael Stayman		14-Mar-2008 03:12
I was working on my computer with the patio blinds opened and I looked out and saw this magnificant creature. I searched thru the web and came accross your photos. Unbelievable!!! You have just shown my what my future may hold. The bird was about 40 ft away. As I watched, he eventually flew to a large very dead tree next to our pear tree. Thanks for the photos. New Cumberland, PA

K.C.		09-Nov-2007 23:54
My 3 young children and I just saw out first Pileated Woodpecker yesterday! What a fantastic bird! It was about 8 ft. away from us, in our yard, on our Cottonwood...amazing sight!! I didn't get a picture, the kids unfortunately scrared it away before I could snap one. Thank you for sharing you photos, they are beautiful - can't wait to show the kids what it was ( I called it a giant red-headed woodpecker, of course). : )

Tom in Virginia		14-Oct-2007 22:30
Just saw my first pileated in my yard, though I've been hearing him for several days. An impressive sight. I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures.

Claudette		14-Sep-2007 20:03
I just saw one outside my window and ran to my bird book. Now I don't know if it ws male or female but read about the difference. Seems there were both on those car pictures. Thank you!!

Betty Bulard		17-Jul-2007 05:14
These are great pictures, the first time I saw one of these was "Good Friday" it felt like it was a very special gift.

BeBe		22-Apr-2007 22:22
I just saw one of these in my yard the other day and got it on video. About 5 monites worth. These are great pics! I live in Illinois.

Ron Wright		01-Apr-2007 22:59
These are some very entertaining photos. In some of the shots he does seem to be admiring his own reflection. Silly bird! lol

Guest		26-Mar-2007 15:37
outfrigging standing

Guest		21-Mar-2007 00:03
I am sooooo jealous......GREAT PIX!!!

Sam X		16-Mar-2007 16:47
what a great gallery ...magnificent

Goldie		15-Jun-2006 16:46
Beautiful you are very lucky to get those shots..... We are from Indiana and we just saw our first Pileated Woodpeckers in our woods. Two of them and OMG we were so impressed. Biggest birds we have ever seen in the wild. Since seeing these we have noticed the large holes in some of our dead trees. Some of the trees have up to 12 holes in them. So cool! Thanks for sharing your pictures we have enjoyed them greatly.

Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal		26-Apr-2006 17:10
Beautiful gallery, great shots Ton

Terri		16-Mar-2006 18:35
This is lovely, and that is one very vain bird. Notice how he's taken to admiring himself in the mirrors. Or maybe he thinks his image is a rival male??

Vilone		28-Jan-2006 02:57
Great gallery!

Dave Beedon		16-Jan-2006 09:20
Wonderful gallery!

Ashley Hockenberry		10-Dec-2005 23:29
F A N T A S T I C ! ! Great work.

Richard Calmes		10-Dec-2005 03:17
What a great series of shots! Is this a trick bird?

Guest		09-Dec-2005 21:35
Don't see these in peoples galleries often. Nice shots. Where were you?

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