I was outside with the dogs yesterday, letting them meander in the sunshine for a bit, when I looked out past the fence line and saw a Pileated Woodpecker land on a dead tree that was already well drilled with holes.

Now, normally these birds are keenly aware of my not-so-stealthy attempts to sneak up and snap a shot, and are quick to fly away, but I felt like God was nudging me to go and get my camera, so I did. (Always good to follow those nudges!) Then, with camera in hand, I tip-toed toward the edge of the yard and took a couple of pictures of this pretty female who was probing for bugs.

I was thrilled when, a moment later, a male Pileated swooped in (you can tell it’s a “he” by the red cheek stripe) and landed on the lower part of the tree.

What a most welcome photo bomb!

They circled one another, and ended up changing tree trunk positions. I’m not sure if her flared head crown was agitation or flirtation, but I’m guessing the latter!

I must have crunched some leaves trying to get a better angle, because he got startled and flew off to a neighboring yard. She remained just long enough for me to get a final shot…

…and then flew off to join him.

It made my day to get both of these beauties in the same shot.

A Pileated post is the perfect way to start the new year! And here’s hoping for numerous nudges in the days ahead!