Thursday, May 22, 2008

Pileated Woodpecker Over the River


Usually difficult to track while in motion, I spied this large woodpecker crossing the river, flying towards me as I sat on the opposite shore.The Pileated Woodpecker is a strong flyer and unaware that he had an audience I was able to watch its 'rowing' motion as it flew over the open water.

Row, row, row..... glide.

12 comments:

Becky said...

Spectacular shots ! I so want to photograph this woodpecker. There are signs that one is nearby and I can hear it, but I have only seen it flying off in the distance. One time it flew overhead as I was walking on one of our trails, but I wasn't quick enough to get any pictures.
Thanks for sharing.

me ann my camera said...

becky:
I so understand as this is such a magnificent bird and often I only hear its sounds or see it at a distance; but sometimes I am lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and so it the Pileated! Good luck on getting a picture of one also.

Mary said...

Those are wonderful shots to demonstrate the flight. I like the glide shot...unusual to catch that! They are such big woodpeckers that they are startling no matter where you see them!

bobbie said...

this is such a great series of pictures!

me ann my camera said...

mary:
My husband calls them, "Row, row, row your boat", birds because of their flying motion. And yes, they are startling sometimes to see, especially when you are very close up.

bobbie:
Its always exciting to get a series of shots for then you capture more of the subject's behavious. Glad that you enjoyed.

TR Ryan said...

one of my favorite birds -- what a great capture. I love your blog!

me ann my camera said...

Thank you T.R.; glad that you visited.

Kathie Brown said...

These would be great Skywatch photos also! What a treat!

me ann my camera said...

katiesbrids:
I had considered that when I had posted it today; but love the Snow Geese more. You have a lovely blog and I was pleased to connect with it. Thanks for your comments.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

These are spectacular! There is a very elusive Pileated at a place where I walk. I can't even get a glimpse of him, but you seem to get the most wonderful pictures. Amazing flight shots!

me ann my camera said...

sandpiper:
I often get a few lucky shots and these were some of those lucky ones!

Kingsdowner said...

What an extraordinary bird! Good shots at a distance.