You will not see these this side of the Atlantic. This striking bird is a Pileated Woodpecker which I photographed during our recent trip. This particular example was at my brothers home in West Virginia. The picture quality is not good as it was (a) taken through glass and (b) it was a long way off. Still hopefully it gives a good idea of what they look like.
This is a large Woodpecker, approx 16-18 ins in length. What you cannot appreciate from these photo's is that the undersides of the wings are largely white. Sadly I never managed to capture a moment when the wings were extended.
The Pileated Woodpecker can be found in forests right accross southern Canada, the eastern half and western coast of the US.
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They may be through glass but they are great photos. I think our greater spotted are prettier, these remind me of the cartoon character Woody, obviously the inspiration for it.
ReplyDeleteYou could be right...that fountain of all knowledge and heresay, Wikipedia, claims that the Acorn Woodpecker was the inspiration for Woody. But there again if you look up Pileated Woodpecker, there is a reference to that being the inspiration as well! Look up the Acorn W and see which you think is closest.
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