The big raucous pileated woodpeckers in our corner of the Ouachita Mountains have been the Moby Dick to my Ahab-ic photographic ambitions. For years, I’ve tried to capture a decent photo, but they’ve proven elusive, skittish and pretty good at hiding for something so large and loudly colored. But finally, FINALLY, one very vocal female lit in a tree this morning, not far from our living room window. And there she is.
The (Urban-Wildlife) Interface 
Well done!
Thanks! A treasured shot.
Lovely background in the picture. It’s true – woodpeckers are pretty difficult to photograph. Good you got this one.
Thanks! The tangle of pine branches is a favorite subject — especially in winter. It was so grand that she just happened to choose that site!
It is so satisfying when you manage to finally snap a “photophobe” especially ones with wings. Excellent capture.
Thanks! This was truly a one-shot deal. One shutter click and she was off and flying.
I loved your word “photophobe,” too — perfect!
She is stunning! Nice.
Thanks. There was so much luck involved in this shot. Where I’d typically be clicking away, re-framing, re-exposing, I had one shot with this one. As soon as the shutter was done, she was gone!
Good timing then!