I am not a 'professional' bird hobbyist but enjoy watching birds. While on our
morning walk (in southern Chesterfield Co.) at about 7:15 Wednesday 17 July,
my wife and I saw three Piliated Woodpeckers (crow size, black and white with
distinctly crested head and long beak). One at a time, each flew across the
road on which we were walking. Both sides of the road were pretty heavily
wooded considering we were in a housing development. One had a distinctly red
crest and was slightly larger or, at least, fuller in form than the other two.
I believe we saw an adult and two younger birds. We were about 20 yards away
from the place they flew over but they were at least 10 yards up and flying
quickly. The adult was screaming a cry I would liken to a loud, shrill duck
quack. I assume our presence was too near for their pleasure.
The questions for the list: Is this unusual for a place so near houses or do
Piliateds come out of the deep woods more than I thought they did? I had only
seen this bird (once) before in a place far from people. Are three together
likely a family group? Do they nest in housing developments or were these
likely just passing through? After young can fly, do they travel distances
together as a family group or were we probably near enough to their nest that
we might expect to see them there again?
Doug Smith
dougsmit@xxxxxxxxxxx
Please Visit My Educational Web Site
Ancient Greek & Roman Coins
http://dougsmith.ancients.info
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