well, Zyperiris, heheh I think I was definitely "wearing my brains" on backwards; I can't believe I missed out on that important descriptor-- prehistoric and wild and rough! I never thought of a bird being wild and rough except for a parrot that doesn't get enough attention from its owner, lol! So that descriptor should have caught my eye. I think I just saw the first 2 responses and jumped to the gun with mine, ridiculous me! Anyway, I am hoping one of these days we'll be able to enjoy a photo of your Pileated woodpeckers and your wood beaver! But again, it's so difficult to catch a real-live photo of wildlife and who cares about the photo compared to just the joy of seeing the real thing in person! You must have some really tall massive trees on your property. I would imagine one would need those kinds of trees to attract those woodpeckers. Keep us updated when you! get the chance to see these amazing birds! am crossing my fingers you'll get to see one soon, soon, soon!

Maureen, those photos are stunning! I just LOVE the last one...with every red feather in her crest standing straight up! The detail is amazing! We have a pair around here, but I've never had one of them come to the birdbaths. I've been really trying to entice my birds back, and yesterday, I put out new feeders and fresh food. Shortly afterward, I had a pair of mourning doves feeding on the ground under a feeder, and they hadn't been there 2 minutes when out of nowhere, one of my resident red-shouldered hawks shot down to try to nab one. He missed, but then he flew to the top of my Bali hut and wouldn't move. I finally had to aim a jet of water at him to chase him off. Five minutes after he left, the doves were back, and a pair of cardinals, as well. Plus, I have a CATBIRD eating SEED at my feeder now! I've never seen that before in all my birdwatching years. You just never know what you are going to see when out in your garden, do you? Our little attempts to create a private spot of nature often succeed beyond our expectations. Thanks for sharing. These might be my very all-time favorites of your bird pictures. Marcia

we don't get the pileated woodpeckers here but when i lived down south i saw them eating most often on the suet logs. most were homemade small diameter logs or thick branches cut maybe 1 foot to 2 foot long with holes drilled in them and stuffed with peanut butter suet mix and hung up out in the yard. maybe it seemed more natural to them?

Thank you all for the nice comments! I've been working on the photography, so it's nice to hear compliments. bandjzmom - I don't know if it's a territory issue or not. I am certain that we have nesting pileateds in our area as I see them all year long (but have yet to find a nest, darn it). So perhaps this is one of last year's young trying to find his place in the world. I just don't know. Thanks again!