skip to main content

Attracting Pileated Woodpeckers

16 years ago

In reference to an earlier post inquiring about attracting PWs, I'm in total agreement with woodlandgal's response that offering beef suet in a feeder with a tail prop often proves successful. I currently have a female Pi who visits here daily, and in 2001 we were fortunate to have a pair (one male, one female) who frequented our property during the months of Februay and March!

Image link:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

sowngrow (8a) G
16 years ago
Nice photo-Could you tell us what part of the country you are located in as I noticed it's not listed on your member page and I'd like to know where you have the pileated woodpecker coming to your feeder.
kokokat
Original Author
16 years ago
Intended to respond as follow-up to Feb. 2 post, but was unsuccessful in including photo - Therefore, opted for new entry. We're located in Loveland, OH - approx. 20 miles east of Cincinnati. Have multiple photos of the pair who visited here regularly a decade ago - Would love to share but including images is perplexing to me. It was absolutely fascinating to observe them as they "excavated" huge maples on the property. : )
Related Discussions
Pileated Woodpeckers
Q
Comments (1)
To reply to someone else's post, after reading their message, simply scroll down the very page all the way to the bottom and you should be able to type your message, hit "preview message" and then hit "submit". If there's a mistake, just correct the error, preview the message once more, and then hit "submit." That's a nice shot of a pileated. Not sure about 2 females. Hopefully an expert will answer your question.
...See More
Pileated woodpecker behavior
Q
Comments (5)
Hitching down a tree trunk is common for woodpeckers. They usually do that to move short distances downward, especially while foraging. However, if the distance is great, say the bird wants to move from the top of the tree to the base of the trunk, it will usually fly down. However, in flight, woodpeckers are more vulnerable to predators, by remaining on the tree trunk and hitching down, they can easily duck around the other side of the tree to avoid a predator. BN
...See More
Another pic of Pileated Woodpecker
Q
Comments (4)
Thanks konrad, I do have Photo Bucket, but haven't been to their site for awhile. Catherinet, when I first saw him land on the tree stump, I ran for my camera thinking for sure he would be gone by the time I got out the door to take pics, but he was still there. I know he had to see me taking pictures. He was only 15-18 feet from where I was standing on my front porch....just on the other side of our driveway. I got 42 pictures.....2 were videos of him pecking away at that tree stump. I was so happy that I saw him that close because I had seen him flying a few times and he always landed in a tree across the street. Then he would go on the backside of the tree where I couldn't see him.
...See More
pair of pileated woodpeckers
Q
Comments (13)
What beautiful birds! I can never get over how large pileated woodpeckers are. In the summer, I chop peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts for the birds, squirrels, chipmunk, and rabbits. They all love it, and when I put it on the deck I get a great view! And the cold... This year it's hitting pretty hard, compared to last year. Sadly I don't get pileated woodpeckers up here (or should I say down here, they live in the U.P. in Michigan). Your picture is great. :)
...See More
ms_minnamouse
16 years ago
Offering mealworms might help. So would having around dead trees that would house the insects that they feed on.
annzgw
15 years ago
I discovered this past year that always having suet available made a huge difference in the number and type of birds that visit my yard.
The 4 suet feeders are the only feeders outside the kitchen window and seed feeders are located some distance away. This allows the smaller birds that like suet to easily feed.

The Pileated Woodpecker in the pic below showed up this winter but I have to be standing in the kitchen to know when he has visited. He doesn't hang around very long!
schoolhouse_gw
15 years ago
My Mom, in Wayne Co. Ohio has a Pileated coming to the suet cake (embedded with seed) once or twice a week. At least that is what it sounds like she is describing "a very large woodpecker with a big red top knot!". :)

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: How to Identify Two Common Woodpeckers

By Habitat Network

Downy and hairy woodpeckers have similar coloration and behavior. But there are two big differences that separate them

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Garden for Wildlife to Reap Rich Rewards

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you plant with animals and insects in mind, you make gardening easier, the planet healthier and yourself more present

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

GARDENING GUIDES How to Bring the Joy of Bluebirds to Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Attract these beautiful songbirds with nesting habitat and food sources, including berry-producing trees and shrubs

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Marvel at Chickadees This Winter

By Habitat Network

These North American natives flock to bird feeders and entertain with their complex birdcalls

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Those Nutty Nuthatches

By Habitat Network

The North American songbirds, which often perch upside down, make themselves known in the winter landscape

Sponsored