Most often I see small woodpeckers high up in the trees, pecking at the smaller branches there, but this male Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) seemed determined to take on the challenge of the trunk of this substantial-sized tree. I really like his pose, as he appears to be contemplating how best to tackle this problem.
Does he dream of great things, like excavating holes in trees like those in the second and third photos? Maybe he was an orphan and was raised by a family of Pileated Woodpeckers and doesn’t recognize any limitations in his size.
I am still trying to get photos of the larger woodpeckers that made the impressive series of holes. I hear a jackhammer-like sound when they are working, but they manage to elude me each time.
For now, I am content with my photo of the smaller woodpecker, attempting to punch above his weight class.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Great shots.
Thanks, Seth. I actually was inspired by some of your posts to do a little creative imagining (though I did not go quite as far as giving my woodpecker a name).
I got within 10 feet of a pileated woodpecker last weekend but naturally there were too many branches in the way of a clear shot. When I tried to get closer off he flew.
The one that got away…the fate of all of us who choose to take photos of birds and animals.
Beautiful! !!
Thanks, Stephanie.
I think the last hole was probably made by a Pileated Woodpecker, but the others might be from squirrels digging out a nest cavity. That’s a gorgeous male Red-bellied dude.
I love the photo, great shot.