Well, I guess the post title gives the guessing game away, but I wonder if you would have known what it was in the first photo if I hadn't told you? I was standing on a river bank looking for ducks when all of a sudden I saw two birds across the river flying towards me. I was thinking, probably Black Ducks, and had decided not to bother trying for a picture when I heard the unmistakeable wild call of a Pileated. A great sighting of two Pileated Woodpeckers flying towards me and I pointed my camera skyward!
Wow! I'm impressed! I've never seen one in flight like this. What a magnificent bird. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat! How many did you have to fire off to get these three?
ReplyDeletebirdnerd:
ReplyDeleteI took about 8 or 9 and then one was of an empty sky; that's about all I had time for. A couple were of only half a bird! They were both moving fast and I just pointed and kept clicking, hoping something would turn out. This was more of a react situation than plan and do. I would prefer that the pictures were sharper but still I'm pleased with what I managed to get.
sandpiper:
I have seen a lot of Pileateds the past couple of months and my complaint has been that they were all at a distance and flying away from me. Today they were flying towards me!! I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Glad that you enjoyed.
Oh wow! What a wingspan! I'm even more impressed with the second shot with the wings at the side! You seldom see that shot of a bird in flight. What a cool series of shots. I've never seen the underside of a Pileated before. The third one looks like it is taking off and headed straight up. Very nice!
ReplyDeletemary:
ReplyDeleteIts pretty different looking isn't it when looking up at its underside; I can't see any red anywhere. It doesn't look too much like the one you had at your feeders a few days ago. Glad that you liked the pics.
Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely great capture. In the right place at the right time, and with the prescience of mind to do something about it.
ReplyDeleteI usually just stand there and watch a great scene unfold, then remember that I have a camera.
Troy
I like the Pileated photos, but I wanted to let you know that the Robin clones are great, and very cute! I just wish I could click on it and see the full screen version.
ReplyDeleteWow, those are awesome pictures! I have never been fortunate enough to see one flying this close. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteruthiej:
ReplyDeleteIt was true luck that day for I was standing right under their flight path! Lucky me I thought!
NW nature nut:
Glad you liked the convention pic :-)
I Love these shots, What a great capture.
ReplyDeleteI can feel my heart beating just thinking of getting these shots.
ecarr:
ReplyDeleteIt was a pretty special opportunity just standing there with their wild cry ringing in my ears as they flew overhead; a quick moment in time captured!