My quest is over.

[mn shutterbug]

I have been wanting a good photo of a Pileated Woodpecker for a long time. It finally happened yesterday. I'm a happy boy.

I met this lady last spring, when I was looking for ospreys. She informed me that she gets the woodpeckers in her yard just about every day during winter, and told me I was welcome up there anytime. I kept in touch with her over the months and let her know I was heading up there. Unfortunately, she was going to be gone all day, but told me she would leave one of her doors unlocked so if I needed to warm up or use the bathroom, I was welcome to do so. I had met this lady just once, and she trusts me with her house. She is amazing. She'll be getting a gift from me.

Anyway, I got to this woman's residence about 12:45 and set my blind up in a good looking spot. I hadn't been sitting for more than 3 minutes, when the pileated landed in a tree just 7 feet from my blind. That wasn't expected. Of course, my lens was sticking out the wrong porthole and I had a heck of a time keeping part of the blind out of the way, when swiveling the tripod. When I finally got the lens in position, he started dancing around the tree, and that's where the first and only shot, from that tree came from. I was excited to get that shot. He then landed on a feeder and I took a couple shots there, afraid I wouldn't get another chance. He flew off and about 10 minutes later, I spotted him on another tree about 50 feet away, going at a suet feeder nailed to the tree. Unfortunately, he wouldn't move. So, I started yelling at him. It got him curious enough to move away from the feeder and look around. That's how I got the last 2 shots. I do have more, but these are my favorites.

[mjs1973]

That's great Mike. I really like the last image of this series. I like them all, but I like the last one the best. We had one at the neighbors house a couple years ago. I managed to get a shot or two, but nothing worth printing.

You have any trips planned to come over closer to the WI border anytime soon?

[armando_m]

I also really like the last one! the way the bird stands out vs. the blurry background is awesome

[Frog]

Very nice shots! I think that lady hoped you'd still be there when she got back.

[mn shutterbug]

Thanks, folks.

Mike, I do plan on getting to Rochester, MN one of these weekends. I so want to find and photo a Golden Eagle. That would really be awesome. The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will be doing their annual Golden Eagle count this Saturday. The area includes SE MN and goes into IA and WI. I'll be checking back with the head honcho and see if I can get some tips on where they were spotted. It's really been tough planning a weekend getaway this winter, due to the nasty weather. I see Rochester is the same distance from each of us - about 180 miles.

In June, my wife and I are planning on vacationing in Lacrosse, and that's actually IN Wisconsin. Lacrosse is a beautiful place with the Mississippi running thru and all the bluffs along the river.

Still planning on the Platte in NE for spring?

[Eric D]

Glad you captured that bird! Nice job on the photos!!

[OldClicker]

I could almost hear the 'Mission Impossible" theme song in the background. Mission accomplished.

Great shots. I still have never seen one.

TF

[armando_m]

Thanks, folks.

Mike, I do plan on getting to Rochester, MN one of these weekends. I so want to find and photo a Golden Eagle. That would really be awesome. The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will be doing their annual Golden Eagle count this Saturday. The area includes SE MN and goes into IA and WI. I'll be checking back with the head honcho and see if I can get some tips on where they were spotted. It's really been tough planning a weekend getaway this winter, due to the nasty weather. I see Rochester is the same distance from each of us - about 180 miles.

In June, my wife and I are planning on vacationing in Lacrosse, and that's actually IN Wisconsin. Lacrosse is a beautiful place with the Mississippi running thru and all the bluffs along the river.

Still planning on the Platte in NE for spring?

Oh my ... this brings memories, awesome memories !

I spent over 3 years based in Roch MN working at a big co. with a 3 letter name , extended periods between 1988 and 1994.

During this time I bought my first zoom lens , a 28-200 for a pentax SLR:thumbsup:

[Loupey]

Very nice! I like the last one too.

You'll come across lots more now that that barrier has been breached

[scott-devon]

Real nice shots, especially that last one. They are such an amazing bird to watch, I keep hoping for more opportunities to shoot them.

[derrensmiths]

Hello mn shutterbug.
I show your all photos it is really good. I also take many sots but not like you.
well my most of photos is related to the nature so I Like the live in natural property.
next time I post my photos I hope you will like it.