Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
We went to Croyden Creek this afternoon, and walked the loop to the east, following the creek down towards Rock Creek, then looping up to near Norbeck Road and back to the old Avery Road cut. About a third of the way around we heard and then saw this pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) high on a dead tree. They certainly are a treat to see, with their red crest, as they dig insects out of trees and stumps. Their call and the very deliberate thumping of their beak against the wood is unmistakable.