Pileated Woodpecker

[Rotarran]

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.  

[BoboBird]

One of my semi-regular places but have never seen a woody. You are one lucky guy.

[Taylsmum]

We've never spotted one of these guys either.. Lots of Downy but that's it.

[mr.sharp-photo]

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

[Palo]

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