Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers of the Vermilon River. A Post to WBW.



The Vermilon River.




Back View Pileated Woodpecker

 Since yesterday was more spring like, we took off to the west side of the river for a tour along the abandoned RR track, which is an easy hike, even with snow traces left. It seemed to be woodpecker day as the following shots indicate. I've made more of the Pileated as its a much rarer sighting. They're about the size of a crow, 16-19 inches, hence one of the largest woodpeckers in NA.

Side View



Side View . Note the red bar from the beak to the Throat.




Note The Red Bar Again.






These two photos show the red bar well which means he's a male. He was much more co-operative than my last attempt as he posed well, but also announced himself with his wild laugh call and gave me an example of his loud drumming.


Click to enlarge any photos.


Profile




Female Hairy




Female Hairy.














As I said I don't mean to play down the Female Hairy because she is a beauty!!


A Post to WBW @ http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Hairy Woodpecker

Shows the small red patch

The Hairy Woodpecker is common to the area and is distinguishable from the Downey by its smaller red  patch,and by its large black beak, which is almost as long as its head. The last photo is one at my birdfeeder eating sunflower seeds of all things.