All Photographs by David Lilly
Pileated woodpeckers are known for their impressive ability to excavate large cavities in trees, which they use for nesting. When excavating a nest, the female typically selects a mature, dead or decaying tree with soft, spongy wood, as it's easier to drill into. Here's a rough overview of the process:
Choosing the Site: The pair, usually during late winter or early spring, will pick a tree that is either dead or dying and has decayed wood that is softer than living wood. They need this decayed wood for easier excavation.
Excavating the Cavity: Using their strong beaks, Pileated woodpeckers begin hammering away at the trunk or a large branch of the tree. They excavate a cavity that can be around 12-24 inches deep, depending on the species. Their beaks are strong enough to chip away the wood into large, flaked pieces.
Shaping the Nest: As the woodpecker chisels away, the cavity begins to form a round to oval-shaped nest that will comfortably fit the female and her eggs. The walls are usually smooth, and the floor may be slightly concave to help keep the eggs safe.
Use of the Nest: After the nest is complete, the female will lay her eggs (usually 3-5). The male may continue to help maintain the cavity by bringing food to the female and guarding the site. Once the chicks hatch, the parents take turns feeding them and protecting the nest.
After the Nesting Season: Once the chicks fledge, the woodpecker family typically moves on, and the cavity may be used by other birds or animals, such as squirrels, bats, or even other bird species, after the woodpeckers abandon it.
Their excavation marks are often very distinctive, with rectangular holes and large, coarse wood chips scattered around the base of the tree. The pileated woodpecker’s role in forest ecology is vital, as their nesting activity provides habitats for other creatures in the forest.
Male: Bold black-and-white crest (the "hood"), golden eyes, dark back, and chestnut flanks.
Female: Brownish overall with a cinnamon-colored crest, more muted but still distinctive.
Bill: Thin and serrated—perfect for catching fish. Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 500mm 5.6 lens
Photographing a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can be very rewarding, but they have their quirks. Here are some tips to help you capture great shots:
1. Find Their Feeding Trees
Look for sap wells: Scan tree trunks, especially birch, maple, and aspen, for neat horizontal rows of small holes.
If you find active sap wells, stay patient nearby — the sapsucker often returns repeatedly to feed or tend the wells.
2. Light and Time of Day
Morning is best — birds are more active, and the softer light will make the colors (especially the yellow belly and red throat) pop without harsh shadows.
Cloudy days can also work well for even, diffused light.
3. Focus on Behavior
Action shots — like drilling, feeding, or dripping sap — are more dynamic than static perching photos.
Wait for moments when the bird tilts its head or extends its neck — it gives more life to the photo.
4. Camera Settings
Shutter speed: Fast — at least 1/1000s if possible, since they move quickly (especially when drumming or pecking).
Aperture: Wide (f/4–f/5.6) to blur out messy backgrounds.
ISO: Raise ISO if needed to keep shutter speed fast, especially in forest shade.
Continuous AF (AI Servo/AF-C): Track movements when the bird shifts position.
5. Composition Tips
Shoot vertically when they cling to upright tree trunks.
Leave space above and in front of the bird — sapsuckers often move upward or sideways.
Include some of the tree texture and sap wells in your frame — it tells a story!
6. Approach Carefully
Sapsuckers can be shy and spook easily.
Move slowly, avoid sudden motions, and wear neutral or earth-toned clothing to blend into the environment.
A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) will let you keep your distance and still fill the frame.
7. Listen for Their Calls and Drumming
They have a distinctive nasal "meow" call and a jerky, Morse-code-like drumming.
Learning these sounds will help you find them even if they’re not immediately visible.
8. Background Awareness
Watch for clean backgrounds — avoid shooting with busy branches or bright sky behind them, if possible.Shifting your angle just slightly can dramatically improve the background.
