As I walked out the door this morning, arms overflowing with handbag, coffee, water bottle, lunch, day planner, and camera over my shoulder (yes, I could use a tote), a large black bird swooped out of the fir tree and flew straight at me. I think he was as startled as I, because once he spied me, he veered off landing on this small birch.
It was then I realized it was a pileated woodpecker. I managed to fumble everything into the car and snatch up my camera and snap these shots before he flew out of sight. A first sighting at Downeast Thunder Farm!
Wow, I’m impressed! I have not seen one yet with absolute certainty. I think I might have seen one flying in the woods once, the bird was the right size and shape but it was so fast I could not make a positive identification.
I used to see pileated woodpeckers when I lived in NY state. I moved to east central Illinois in 2006 and have missed hearing and seeing those beautiful birds. Thanks for sharing your photos!
I am blessed to have a pair of pileated living near me, so I see them frequently here in Central Va. So glad you saw one up there! I love them.