"LOGGING IN/LOGGING OUT"

Pileated Woodpecker (Male) - 8 Photos

Logging in and logging out can refer to computers but it can also refer to a Pileated Woodpecker who went from perching against a tree to landing and excavating a cut down tree. There was some grooming involved prior to returning to work (Photo #1 & Photo #2). And yes, that is indeed snow falling across the photos, making for a wet & fluffy Pileated Woodpecker.

The tree was definitely cut down by a chain saw with the remains of the trunk left in the ground and a part left on its side, exposing cavity tracks probably resulting from insect activity. This was definitely a case where although the removal of the tree involved human activity, the remaining product was natural and provided an excellent photo backdrop for the woodpecker.

There was a hidden treasure concealed in the leftover trunk. The woodpecker returned at least two times while I was in the vicinity, drumming several holes into the bottom and scooping out ants with his tongue (Photo #3). And then it was on to the ringed portion, with similar success (Photo #4 through Photo #7). Photo #6 shows the extent of the size of a Pileated Woodpecker's sticky tongue.

Having exhausted this particular meal source, it was on to another tree and another session of dining (Photo #8).

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8