Out in Presqu’ile Provincial Park and birdwatching we came across a Pileated Woodpecker. This is the very same wood pecker the Woody Woodpecker was modeled after. The Pileated Woodpecker is rather large and is amazing to see. I have only ever seen one fly by before this. We did our best to video the bird hammering away at a tree. If you notice, unlike most other woodpeckers it really takes it’s time and makes slow deliberate blows to the tree. After knocking a piece of wood loose he will then grab it and toss the wood aside to make room for the next strike. I was not expecting to see this woodpecker at Presqu’ile park.
The Pileated Woodpecker is also known as Dryocopus Pileatus. Large, unmistakable woodpecker. Mostly black, with red crest and bold white stripes on head and neck. Flies with deep, rowing wingbeats, almost like a crow but more irregular; also look for mostly white underwings and white patches on upper wing. Pairs inhabit mature deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees. Makes large oval-shaped holes in decaying trees to search for insects. Listen for slow resonant drumming and loud clucking calls. Occasionally visits feeders in appropriate habitat, especially fond of suet.