Do you have a list of subjects that you really want to photograph? I do and ever since I caught sight of a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) through the window of the visitor center of my local marshland park, I have been possessed with an overwhelming desire to photograph one. That first time, the woodpecker was hanging from a suet feeder usually used by nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers and I was impressed by its size and its beauty.
Last month, a year after the initial sighting, I finally got a photo of one and featured it in a posting My First Pileated. The photo was a little blurry and the bird was partially obscured by branches, but it was clearly a Pileated Woodpecker. This past Saturday, I came upon another one as I was walking through the woods. Not surprisingly, I heard the woodpecker before I caught sight of it high in the trees, barely visible.
The dry leaves crackled loudly as I tried to get closer to the woodpecker and it flew to other trees several times during this protracted process. I had heard from others that Pileated Woodpeckers sometimes work on fallen logs, but this one never left the higher reaches of the trees. Eventually it flew out of sight.
I ended up with a slightly better photograph of a Pileated Woodpecker, but am confident that I can do much better this winter as I continue to stalk “big game,” which for me includes this woodpecker, hawks, and maybe even an owl.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The picture is really fine and nice. I like your persistence on taking the picture. Keep it up. 🙂
Thanks. As I have gotten more into nature/wildlife photography, I have noticed a pattern. I am always so excited when I see a new species, that I am thrilled when I can get any kind of a shot. After the initial excitement has worn off, I try to improve on the first shot. As you noted,, I am pretty persistent and I am patient too.
Tell me about it. That’s what I call “passion”
These guys aren’t easy to get a shot of in my experience, so congratulations. That’s a nice clear shot of him. And yes they do go for logs on the ground as well. I see shredded logs quite often.
I’m learning to keep my eyes in constant motion as I look high and low for interesting subjects. I am hoping that I can find a pileated on a log–it was literally a pain in the neck getting today’s shot.
I know the feeling. Congratulations.
Hey “Big Game Mike,” you’re killing me with your shots of Pileated Woodpeckers, a bird high on my wish list of photo goals! 😉
I need to check to be sure, but I might have gotten some shots of an otter today (which is high on my list). Stay tuned for the photos–I hope.
I don’t think a person forgets his first pileated. I sure remember mine. One of my sons saw it first.
Nice one! I know just what you mean about goals for shooting the big ones. Last year I just wanted to see a fox, or a coyote, or a bobcat. Now, I want to get a photo, a really good photo, a really good action photo!
You’ve already gotten great shots of foxes and now the coyote. It will be tough to improve on those, but it’s nice to keep pushing and learning and experimenting. I am often reminded how much luck plays a role in getting good shots, but honing our skills helps us get ready for the big moments.
Darn, I was hoping for a big yellow bird…. But an excellent pic of a Pilated WP will work.. Great shot..:-)
[…] Stalking a big bird (michaelqpowell.wordpress.com) […]