Pileated woodpecker spotted in Louisville KY!

I have been trying to get one for a while now. I did not expect to see him this morning chowing down on the suet I put out. I usually don't put out food during the summer, but I did. I am so glad! He was HUGE!!!
It says they usually are in pairs, so hopefully I will see him again with his mate....I need to go buy more suet! yeah!

Thats great! Your very lucky.

Thanks! During the winter I usually get a few Downeys and a couple Yellow Flickers...I am thinking about putting food out now...sunflower seeds.... I hear they say let the birds get their own food in the summer plus the cost of seed has gone up a few dollars, but I can't stand it any longer. I am going to fill the feeders up again. This guy was so cool looking though. I need to get online and see how the male is different from the female so I will know which one I have. He went up in a big tree and was pecking. I know their call now, it is pretty neat sounding. Have a good one!

My whole strategy in feeding the birds (very well, too) during the summer is to keep seeing all of these birds in my favorite viewing area. I want to see the babies being trained by mom and Dad to come here for fresh seeds and suet. And even tho the flickers eat mostly ants, they do show the babies where the suet feeders are and how to get the stuff. My goldfinches have eaten most of my dandelions and have enjoyed grass seed as well as the nyger, but I know that I will see them and their whole family nearly every day of summer if I keep a feeder out for them. I had not anticipated some of the birds at my feeders: the red headed woodpecker brought it's baby to the suet feeder several times this year! I had been assured that my busy little back yard was not a place for them to show up, yet they came once when the dog and I were taking a break 10' from the feeder, looking right at it! There are many joys to feeding year round. Enjoy yours!

Woohoo!!! Congratulations forevereden! I spent a year trying to get a photo of one!!

great Forever. We live a very wooded area and have several pileated w. they are hard to photograph. I need to put out some suet to get them closer. The sound like Woody woodpecker, don't they.. LOL
Elaine

thank you all !! nanbernier - you describe the experience perfectly. I hope to be able to see chicks one day now. I need a better camera for close ups. If anyone knows of a good cheap one please let me know. The feeder is around 20 feet from my window. I want to get those National Geographic pics!

Wow, I wish mine would come down that close. He is really big, isn't he/she?
Elaine

Here's a couple outside my house. They're common in my area. Not that great of a picture.

Their wonderful;I would love to see them in person.

This is from June 6th at my house. The tree is about12 feet from the window. This one came evryday for about 6 weeks. I still see it occasionally and hear it often. Here is some information on them.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Pileated_Woodpecker_dtl.html

Wow, nanny. That's an impressive bird. How lucky are you to have it so close by.

The problem with getting a picture is when you see one they're usually moving their head. Not an easy shot.

Great sighting Forever! I've been inspired to replenish my suet!