Pileated Woodpeckers of Burnett County, Wisconsin

These past days three Pileated Woodpeckers have devoured six suet refills at my Gillespie Creek feeding station.  The family appears to be a mother and two daughters ( none have the red feathering on their cheeks indicating male.)

Each visit has been announced as usual by the birds’ calls.  It takes several tries for the young to cling to the feeding station.  Mom finally finds a secure stance and diligently pecks at the suet cake.  Eventually the remaining suet falls to the ground.  

All three Pileates then gather around the fallen food.  Mother continues her feeding.  When satiated she begins to feed each fledgling, one at a time. The waiting baby patiently watches until her feeding begins; first fed then politely becomes the observer.

The whole visit may last as long as 45 minutes.  Click on the “Newsletter” button for 8-10- 24 to review the delightful story in photos.