Hammer Time

[Arlen]

I see these big pileated woodpeckers here in western Oregon only occasionally, usually a couple of times a season. This one spent at least an hour and half working away at this same spot on the dead tree. Using a slow, non-threatening approach, I was able to get quite close. Or maybe it was just unwilling to abandon the spot after having invested so much effort at excavation.

[PeterAit]

I see these big pileated woodpeckers here in western Oregon only occasionally, usually a couple of times a season. This one spent at least an hour and half working away at this same spot on the dead tree. Using a slow, non-threatening approach, I was able to get quite close. Or maybe it was just unwilling to abandon the spot after having invested so much effort at excavation.

Excellent shot with great feather detail of a most handsome bird! We see them here occasionally and it is always a treat.

[francois]

Great shot, perfectly timed and in focus.
Bravo, Arlen!

[Arlen]

Thanks a lot, Peter and Francois.

[MattBurt]

Great shot!

[Arlen]

Thanks, Matt.

[Bob_B]

Well done. Pileated woodpeckers are definitely a favorite of mine.

[Chris Calohan]

Always a treat to get a Piliated!

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Yes, excellent shot.

[Arlen]

Bob, Chris, and Eric, I really appreciate your comments. Although I had other shots to choose from, I like this one because of the flying wood chip. It makes me think how fast the head strikes must be; that after sending this chip flying, the bird's withdrawing head outraced the chip in it it flight path.