Woody Woodpecker

We have Woody Woodpecker living around here somewhere, because we saw him yesterday. 

Well, actually, I think it was a her, because I didn’t see any red patch at the base of the bill like males are supposed to have. 

A birdwatcher friend told me years ago Pileated Woodpeckers were rare.  Turns out he meant rarely SEEN.  It seems they’re a pretty shy bird, and although one might be living close by, you don’t see them very often.

Unfortunately, I only got the one picture before the bird flew again.  I had an attack of Oldtimer’s Disease, and instead of trying to get some pictures through the big window in our dining room, I stepped outside on the front porch.  Thus I only got one shot before the bird got spooked and flew away.  (Yeah, yeah, I know, STUPID!) 

Of course now I’m going to be bummed until such time as I’m fortunate enough to see one of these birds again and get more pictures!  Since they are permanent residents, maybe I’ll get lucky and see another one around here some day.

I sure hope so.  That’s one big bird with a really cool topknot.  It would make for some seriously awesome pictures!