Wildlife need space, but not our food.
Pileated Woodpecker
Few times I went to watch the Pileated Woodpecker's nest, it was first used last year. There was some work done on the nest before woodpeckers started using it this year. I would be challenged by the mosquitos whenever I went to take pictures of the family. Each time I would wait for a short while for the adults to get the food and feed the nestlings. It will be interesting to see if the nest gets used next year.
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America, roughly the size of a crow. They have an amazing zany call, inspiring the cartoon character Woody the Woodpecker. If you come across rounded rectangle holes near the bottom of the trees, then this woodpecker has be there, looking for wood ants. Here in the mountains they can be spotted year around.
Pileated Woodpecker
Took this picture last month when this juvenile and one other in nest were still being fed by the adults at the nest. The adults are not the quietest birds near their nest, they had attracted the wrong type of person or persons. Who had climbed the tree using climbing gear and disturbed the nest. It took me about two weeks to realize everything was okay in the nest and two birds eventually fledged.
Pileated Woodpecker
Birds often get overlooked when it comes to wildlife, they can be found all comers of the world. It's remarkable how adaptable they are, all together there are some ten thousand species of birds in the world and we have our share in the mountains. The Pileated Woodpecker represented here can be found year around in Banff National Park, from the warmest days to the coldest nights. They are the largest woodpecker in North America, size of a crow and if you come across a large rough rectangular hole bottom of tree, it's a sign Pileated Woodpecker has been there looking for its favourite food, carpenter ants.
Until next moment,
Amar
Pileated Woodpecker
The two nestlings get the mouth ready to recieve food brought by an adult. Had a chance one evening to watch this pileated family, it was not difficult to miss the nest. There was constant begging coming from the nestlings while adult went away to gather food. After few feeding I left the nest to look for other things to photograph.
Until next moment,
Amar
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker, the largest in North America of the woodpecker family. Nearly the size of crow, busy searching for food. Found year around in the mountains, but not enough of them to see them often. In this case, it was it not only spotted, but it was in the open, giving me many chances at taking its pictures.
Until next moment,
Amar
Pileated Woodpecker
Few days back I watched this Pileated Woodpecker as it went about its business. Then it flew on to the tree I was standing next to, where I took this picture. Then it called out and flew toward a another tree, too far for me to take its picture but close enough for me to see.
Until next moment,
Amar
Pileated Woodpecker
I was making my way back home, walking on the side road when I saw a friend walking toward me on the other side. I crossed over to chat, as we were conversing, I looked down the slope. There, at the bottom of a tree was a Pileated Woodpecker, our largest woodpecker. It was the closest I had gotten to this bird, so close that I had a problem getting all of it in the frame. If I moved back, branches of other trees would be in my way. I spent five minutes trying to get a good picture of it. It stayed on the far side of the tree, occasionally coming into view. As it did, I would try quickly to get a picture of it. It's a beautiful large bird, with a bright red crest. I was happy with the images I was able to capture before it flew away from the tree.
Until next moment
Amar