Finally I am able to upload some photos and get this blog a moving. Couple weeks ago I took a few snaps of a Pileated woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in North America, though the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, which is still on the extinct list, is truly considered the largest. This particular bird was hammering away on an old elm outside my computer/office window and has left 4 large holes with some 20 tiny "bullet" holes elsewhere.
Pileated's can grow up to 16 inches long, though there have been a few coming in at 19 inches with up to 30 inch wing span.
HI BB--around here(Oregon) Pileated WP's are an "old growth" indicator species, ha, which suprise! thrive in second and third growth too. In any case their presence belies a relatively healthy and thriving forest. wyld thang
ReplyDeleteThat is very cool to know wyld thang...the forest around the house here is quite young, though has some mighty old trees. The parents cut down a tree that was (what we believe to be) 131 years old. It was a shame to cut it, but lightening split it right down the middle so it had to go anyways.
ReplyDeleteIt is rare to see these WP's close up so took the chance to get one this time around. Once the snow falls I will be animal hunting with the digital and see what else I can capture :)