The Nature, Wildlife and Pet Photography Forum - Fine Art Landscape Photography

Pileated Woodpeckers

Posted By: Scott Flaherty

Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/21/11 04:32 PM

For many years I've tried to find a good opportunity to photograph Pileated Woodpeckers and have been unsuccessful. That drought came to an end a little while back.

It was definitely a shoot that required patience. We found a nest and initially positioned ourselves to the side. Then the waiting started. One of the parents would arrive at the nest approximately every 30-40 minutes. Then there would be a flurry of activity while it fed the chicks for about 2 minutes. Then we'd wait for another 30-40 minutes. This cycled continued for several hours.

From my initial position:


I moved to the other side of the tree to use another tree as the background:


This was shot from up in a tree, across from the tree with the nest:
Posted By: James Morrissey

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/21/11 06:23 PM

Hey Scott,

These are great. The first is my favorite of the series. You are a lucky man!

James
Posted By: Welshfilly

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/22/11 12:15 AM

I love these birds, we have quite a few of them around on our farm. Nice photos, too!
Posted By: Christy

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/22/11 02:51 PM

WOW!! I too have had MANY unsuccessful attempts at catching pileateds. You are so fortunate! Beautiful captures!!
Posted By: Sunstruck

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/22/11 02:53 PM

WOW! Stunning photos Scott. I love # 1 for cuteness, and #2 for aaawww factor.
Posted By: StarrLight

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/22/11 07:12 PM

Really beautiful, I also love that first one. Talk about "anticipation".

Diana
Posted By: Lesley

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 01/25/11 12:43 AM

Oh.... these are so the images I have been dreaming of for years... if only I could find a nest... the second shot is a killer!
Posted By: Durwood Edwards

Re: Pileated Woodpeckers - 02/01/11 01:33 PM

Wonderful shots, Scott!
Love the feeding picture.
This bird is on my list of "Need-To's". I see them quite frequently around my home, but have only one or two marginally acceptable shots.
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