We were taking advantage of the unseasonably warm and sunny weather and happened upon this Pileated Woodpecker pair readying their nest cavity. Nest construction takes 4-6 weeks....looks like they have been working on this one for a while.
Mom was doing most of the work, chipping out the interior of the cavity....she does not have the red facial stripe as dad has. He was staying nearby; keeping an eye out (he's the last pic).
Once eggs are laid, both mom & dad take turns incubating the eggs which takes from 15-18 days.
Hoping we can watch this family through the season. I'll share pics, but am not posting the location so the birds won't be distracted as they begin nesting.
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| Mrs. Pileated Woodpecker enlarging the nest cavity. |
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| Chipping away... |
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| Mr. Pileated Woodpecker keeping watch. |
