Pileated Woodpecker snacking on a caged suet cake
This week's Photohunt theme is Cage(d). Photohunt is brought to you by TnChick - home of the original photohunt.
This was actually not too hard since I just took a picture of a pileated woodpecker eating at our suet cage. We put our suet into a cage and hang it at the end of a pole so the squirrels don't get to it. The squirrels are very resourceful and can leap or tightrope walk out to the suet. We have this hanging with segments of PVC pipe that roll. It is pretty unsteady so it keeps the squirrel off most of the time. But the bigger birds like the woodpecker, flicker and crows have a very hard time hanging on to the swinging cage but they are able to sink their large claws into the frame and hang on while it swings around. We get lots of different birds - and it brings a lot of fun to us in the winter. We were about to take these down when the Pileated Woodpecker came in this week. They are probably getting ready to nest so maybe we'll keep these high-energy feeders out for another couple of weeks.
Here are a few pictures of the different birds and squirrel that comes to the cage. Have a great weekend everyone.
Pileated Woodpecker - largest woodpecker in NA hanging on to the small cage
Look at that wingspan!
The smaller downy woodpecker - one of the smallest
Bush tits - they come in by the flock
The squirrel are such acrobats - some determined ones can make it on - but most do not
Comments (12)
Great photos, Martha! And I love that it's the food that's caged rather than the wild creatures! :D
Posted by YTSL | March 25, 2011 8:30 PM
Posted on March 25, 2011 20:30
It's one of nature's finest moments watching birds. One of the reasons I love having feeders. Great shots and a great take on this week's theme.
Posted by menehune | March 25, 2011 9:09 PM
Posted on March 25, 2011 21:09
Nice to see the food caged instead of the critter . . .
Beautiful shots for this week's theme.
Posted by Jerry | March 26, 2011 7:08 AM
Posted on March 26, 2011 07:08
What an awesome bird he is! I get downies and a couple of other woodpeckers in my feeder but have never seen a pileated one. Wonderful pics and I agree, a nice and different type of cage.
Posted by Annie | March 26, 2011 11:35 AM
Posted on March 26, 2011 11:35
I love your take on the theme! Cage the food. :) Great shots, too.
Posted by Alice Audrey | March 26, 2011 1:07 PM
Posted on March 26, 2011 13:07
Hi Marta, love that close up of the woodpecker. Amazing clarity. A collection of photos for this week's theme.
Have a great weekend!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | March 26, 2011 1:13 PM
Posted on March 26, 2011 13:13
Wow. That woodpecker shot is fabulous!
Posted by Palma | March 26, 2011 2:09 PM
Posted on March 26, 2011 14:09
What a great idea. I love your shots and I can't believe I didn't think of suet cages for this theme. Happy weekend!
Posted by Carver | March 26, 2011 2:35 PM
Posted on March 26, 2011 14:35
Great pictures of the birds! It is hard to keep the squirrels and chipmunks off the feeders. I've soaped the poles, which make them not be able to hold on... for a time! Of course, that makes it all the more amusing watching them try. ;o)
Posted by Krista | March 26, 2011 7:34 PM
Posted on March 26, 2011 19:34
wonderful photos and excellent clarity Marta. love your take on the theme, the best i've seen today.
Posted by LifeRamblings | March 26, 2011 9:55 PM
Posted on March 26, 2011 21:55
These are all great pics for the theme :)
Posted by Sue St Clair | March 27, 2011 8:56 AM
Posted on March 27, 2011 08:56
Fantastic photos, very beautiful :-)
Posted by CherryPie | March 28, 2011 2:39 PM
Posted on March 28, 2011 14:39