Pileated Woodpecker

This sighting is one of my favorite bird sightings to date. I was hiking a steep mountainside in the Kaniksu National Forest today, searching for big ungulates (moose, elk, deer) and whatever else I might find. I was fully aware that these large woodpeckers inhabited the area, but I never thought I would come across one.

I was watching a cow moose walking along the ridge ahead of me and heard the distinct knocking of a woodpecker. I carefully approached and after several minutes of sneaking, stopping, listening and repeating, I finally saw the large bird at the top of an old snag (dead tree). I moved into position and took some photos. They turned out ok...good enough for me when the bird decided it had had enough to eat out that hole.

I continued on my difficult and steep hike when I saw the bird fly into view and land on another snag ahead of me. I snuck into position and once again photographed the bird, this time being much more successful in the quality of the photos.