Finding The Elusive Pileated Woodpecker At Prophetstown State Park

I don’t see too many pileated woodpeckers on my walks. That combined with their cool crown makes them a bird that I must photograph. When I do see them it is usually not in a good situation. That is what made it so great when I saw this pair of woodpeckers during a walk at Prophetstown State Park. Both birds took turns posing for me, and the sky actually cleared long enough to make the photos with a blue background. You can’t ask for much more than that.

Coming In Like A Dart

When I first saw the pair they were flying through the air like a couple of darts. I pointed my lens at them to make a couple of photos. They looked so cool just sailing down into the woods. I would love to make this photo again when I am a little closer to the woodpecker.

The Pileated Woodpecker In Flight

One of my goals this year is less posed birds, and more birds in flight. That is harder than it sounds as you never know where or when a bird will take off. This woodpecker took off right at me so that it could pose for the photo at the top of the post. I love it when things work out all around.