Contemplative

It's been more than two months since I've blipped a Pileated Woodpecker, so it was great to see a pair back at our high feeder a few days ago. They were very shy again at first, but seemed to have settled in nicely now. We hope they'll be with us for the winter.

Their four-toed feet feature very sharp claws. The first and fourth toes face backward, and the second and third toes face forward, enabling them to walk vertically up a tree trunk.

All About Birds has a wealth of fascinating information about Pileated Woodpeckers, if you're interested in learning more. I find it a welcome respite from the news...

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