Pileated Woodpecker (Yard Bird # 16)

While this is not a very good photo, it has to be my blip because it's so rare that I can get a shot of a Pileated WP.  As it was, I just happened to glance out the window as he flew onto on of the cedars at the edge of our woods - I grabbed a camera and crept outside, managing to get several horrible shots in poor light and this not-too-bad shot in decent light.  I had the 300 lens on the camera, no TC, so this had to be cropped pretty significantly and then fiddled with in Lightroom.  

These handsome birds are about the size of a crow, making them N. America's largest woodpecker.  They are birds of the forest, preferring habitats with downed or dead trees for nesting and foraging.  They are believed to mate for life, and will defend a large territory from other pileated woodpeckers.  We've had a pair living somewhere back in the woods for several years, but they are more often heard than seen.  Always a treat when I see one at the edge of the woods. 

Having a bad run of allergies right now - massive headache and generally feeling very listless.  Hope it clears up soon - hate feeling so draggy.  

The two fox sparrow are still hanging around, which is nice.  And today I also spotted a female red-winged blackbird scarfing up cracked corn.  That's a nice yard bird for us.  Expect that the heavy snow cover will keep things interesting at the feeders this week.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Debbi