Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Ontario Birds => Topic started by: Rotarran on February 11, 2013, 07:54:37 PM

Title: Pileated Woodpecker
Post by: Rotarran on February 11, 2013, 07:54:37 PM
Passed by Wilcox Lake in Richmond Hill briefly today during my lunch-time break and even though I was out for only a couple of minutes, I spotted something from the corner of my eye...I saw a large black bird fly to the ground and I was convinced I saw some white stripes on the wings.  After hearing and seeing some Blue Jays, I thought it may have been a Blue Jay because the lighting wasn't optimal (due to the cloud-cover) and what I saw was obstructed by branches and various brush.  But then it flew up to a nearby poll and this time I was closer and I was convinced it was black not blue but still wasn't sure what the white stripes were all about.  I thought maybe it was a variation of some type of Crow since those were in the area as well.  But then the red crown caught my eyes and I suddenly saw it was a woodpecker up on a poll.  I didn't know they were this big.  Took some pics and then it just flew away...I don't know how common they are in and around that area but I still feel lucky either way.  Not bad for a few minutes of birding.  Now that's efficient.  :D

(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/Rotarren/P2111193_zpscb34b368.jpg)

(http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/Rotarren/P2111196_zps6fa0748b.jpg)
Title: Re: Pileated Woodpecker
Post by: BoboBird on February 12, 2013, 06:00:40 AM
One of my semi-regular places but have never seen a woody. You are one lucky guy.
Title: Re: Pileated Woodpecker
Post by: Taylsmum on February 12, 2013, 08:14:36 AM
We've never spotted one of these guys either.. Lots of Downy but that's it.
Title: Re: Pileated Woodpecker
Post by: mr.sharp-photo on February 12, 2013, 08:46:54 AM
i believe this guy is spotted annually in that area. usually reported on the west side of Yonge st, but it is within 1 km or so of the usual spotting
Title: Re: Pileated Woodpecker
Post by: Palo on February 12, 2013, 09:35:48 AM
You're one lucky guy Rotarren.  The first and last time I saw one was at the Rattray Marsh in Mississauga, two years ago!  Congrats