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Project Noah Nature School
Dryocopus pileatus
I watched this guy excavate this old birch for about half an hour
Spotted on May 6, 2012
Submitted on May 8, 2012
7 Comments
I think it was just digging for food. I haven't seen any more activity in a day or so. It would be great if it was nesting. I discovered a nest a few years ago: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/706...
Wonderful!! Great series!!
Nesting?
Pileateds are usually very shy, but this one was too busy working to pay much attention to me. The closest I got was about 20 feet away. I didn't want to approach any closer for fear of scaring it off. They're quite common where I live but they're more often heard than seen.
I love the way these birds tap on the trunk and then cock their heads and listen.. fascinating to watch
Please tell us a little bit about it.. How did you get that close to it..?
What a gorgeous bird!!!