For years, I had hoped to photograph Pileated Woodpeckers feeding their young. One spring morning, a fellow birder shared the location of an active nest in a nearby park, even pointing out the precise spot — about thirty yards away and across a small lake — where I could get the best view. I returned several times, spending hours waiting and watching. An adult would land on a nearby tree, pause briefly, then disappear into the nesting cavity. Moments later, the nestlings would stretch toward the opening, peering out expectantly. When a parent approached, their loud, insistent calls filled the air, ensuring mom or dad knew exactly how hungry they were. I watched as the adults carefully fed them, bill to bill, delivering nourishment directly into those small, open beaks. The activity continued on and off throughout the morning — a thrilling and unforgettable behavior to witness, and a true privilege to photograph.
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