Two local bird feeders were in the luck for spotting unusual visitors at their bird feeders and then capturing them in pictures. The first photo is shared with us by Jean Dessellier who has a knack for capturing every detail, right down to individual feathers. She says it’s always so exciting to have her special visitor, a Pileated Woodpecker show up at her feeding station in Traprock Valley. Jean really zoomed in for a close-up view.

The next two photos were snapped by Bob Gilreath who also had a large visitor at his Hubbell feeders. His Pileated was hanging on to one side of the feeder, pecking away at the suet Bob was supplying for lunch that day. You can tell these birds are big and have a little weight to them, as the feeder is leaning a bit lower on that side.

Bob also made a short video of the Pileated in action. I’m pretty sure that’s a female on his feeder, as there is no red on the cheek, which the male normally has, like in the first photo here above. You can see the size difference when a Chickadee lands on a branch just above the feeder, too. Great captures all around!

Love these pictures! Such handsome birds
they are. We haven't seen one in a while.
Been waiting.

Very cool video also

RIGHT ON MARY! The male has a red streak on his
cheek, and the females are black.

They are one tough bird to get a good picture of.
They see the TINIEST movement...and GONE! They
aren't sticking around!

Excellent shots!

You got beautiful cameras!

Whenever I see these birds, they remind me of
prehistoric birds. They are very intriguing to me.

Nice, but where are all the squirrels?

They're all down here, Alex!

We've had as many as ten squirrels at our feeders at once. If they'd spend as much time eating as they did chasing each other around the yard, they'd be full in no time. We do have Downy's here, but I sure do miss the Pileateds.....