LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, June 6, 2016

Right Before My Eyes


So far this season we have seen three pairs of Pileated Woodpeckers feeding their fledglings.  And I have tried and tried time and again to get a good photograph.  I had pretty much given up since the "little" ones are now coming to the feeder themselves.  And then I saw yet another new fledgling whose parents were feeding her.  Behind the leaves or on the other side of a tree, of course.  I spent quite a bit of time with the camera at the ready.  No photo opportunity.  Sigh.  Perhaps not this year.

Then lo and behold!  The little female Pileated fledgling flew around and sat right on our deck railing.  Not ten feet away from me.  The adult was calling loudly, almost frantically from the trees, trying to get the little one to fly back to the safety of the woods.  But the little girl was having none of that.


What's with all that screaming?
Come down here and feed me.

The fledgling made no attempt whatsoever to move from the deck railing.  She did not seem to be afraid of flying; she simply didn't want to go anywhere.  She turned around looking at her parent but did not even flap her wings.

Yes.  I hear you.
But I like this railing.

So there she sat.  Like a naughty toddler.

 Mom?  Dad?
Why don't you come on down here?


What followed was an amazing sight.  One I've never seen before.

TO BE CONTINUED:

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this post! What an amazing sighting to have right there on your deck railing. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Lowcarb team member said...

What a super post, I'm so pleased you were able to get these photo's.

What happened next I wonder?

All the best Jan

Joni said...

What wonderful photos! My husband has spotted pileated woodpeckers near our house but I only saw one once and it was from a distance. In profile it looked just like Woody Woodpecker and even had that funny laughing call! I have been eager to see one close up ever since.

Nance said...

Great experience and what a photo opportunity! We were thrilled to have our first pileated woodpecker in our lakeside maple just this past weekend. Still cannot get over how big they are. And it IS difficult to get a good view of one, let alone a photo.

Ms. A said...

Yay! You finally got your shots! Can't wait for more!

The Bug said...

Ah - a cliff hanger!! I love your narration...

Carolina Linthead said...

Love this!!!

Tara said...

wonderful pictures! what a naughty cutie pie! Can't wait until the next part of the tale....

Barbara Rogers said...

Yay you! The intrepid photographer triumphs again...and at the right moment in the right place. You've definitely perservered!

Louvregirl said...

Great sighting and story, too! I know! Those birds can be loud and demanding!

Busy Bee Suz said...

She's a troubled rebel!! Can't wait to see what happens.....

KB said...

Wow - I love the story of this naughty toddler! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!!!! What wonderful photos!