I think pileated woodpeckers are my favorite woodpeckers. I like their silly laugh and they are just fun to look at. I was totally not expecting to come across them in Wunderlich County Park – I wasn’t hoping for much wildlife that day – but I was pleasantly surprised to see several and hear even more.
We need to get you on ebird! Pileated are not commonly seen around here. Last one reported at that park was in October . There was a fair amount of excitement when one was spotted a month ago at redwood – the subsequent influx of birders turned up the Hooded Warbler, which led to the discovery of the Pygmy Owl (who unfortunately has not been seen since).
Cool – I had no idea they were uncommon. Now I feel especially lucky! My husband has urged me to join ebird but I just have so little confidence in my identification skills outside a few easy species. I suppose joining would force me to improve though.
You don’t have to report species you’re not sure of – you can leave it vague (e.g., “gull sp. [species]”), or just click the “no” I didn’t list everything I saw option.