Pileated Woodpeckers & the Artists Who Love Them

Archival Print of Original Watercolor by Amber Alexander, on Etsy

There are a lot of flashy bird species in the world, but the jazziest one to visit my backyard is the Pileated Woodpecker.   The Pileated Woodpecker looks like it should be awkward and gangly ... even the name has 7 syllables.  But they are not cartoonish ... they are beautiful, usually in motion, and breathtaking in flight.

Pileated Woodpecker with Hatchling, Painted Wood
 by Jan Joly, Art Of The UP, on Etsy

When I first saw a pair of these birds, they were an instant favorite. This is actually my third post about Pileated Woodpeckers ... I featured a few artists' renderings here and here.  The dramatic colors and extreme crest must be fun to work with. I've chosen a few more interpretations to post today. Watercolor painting. Painted wood sign board. Mixed collage on canvas. Soft sculpture.

Welcome Friend, Mixed Media Collage, by Angie Cook, Life In Process, on Etsy

It's been a long time since that flash of   ~red~white~black~  caught my eye through the window.  Most of our dead pine trees are gone now, so there is no enticement to visit. 

Soft Sculpture Pileated Woodpecker by Imaginator, on Etsy

Learn more about Dryocopus Pileatus on Wikipedia.  And visit All About Birds, by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.   See photos of the birds and their handiwork.  Check out a map of their North American range.  Listen to their cry (or laugh?).

Meanwhile, enjoy some Fun Facts about Pileated Woodpeckers:

• The male has a red streak at his throat.  The female's is black.  (scroll up to see who we have here)
• Their nesting cavities are somewhat rectangular.  They remove the bark all around the entrance, so the sap will ooze and keep snakes out.
• An old nickname for the Pileated Woodpecker is Indian Hen.
• Other woodpeckers sometimes tag along behind the Pileateds, knowing they will expose food sources.

And here is the Pileated Woodpecker Fact of the Day:

• Woody Woodpecker is not a Pileated.  Walter Lantz was apparently inspired by an Acorn Woodpecker.  Although Acorn Woodpeckers don't have the crazy crest, they do have a clowny look and interesting storage habits.   Don't ask me why Woody is blue.

Acorn Woodpecker at Granary, Fine Art Photography
by Matt Wetrich, Nature BMW, on Etsy

As usual, I have chosen items by unsuspecting artists to illustrate this post.  It's fun to feature these works, and I seek them out myself, when the mood strikes.  Of course, I immediately contact the artist with a link to my post.  So far, no one has asked me not to show their photo and links.  And I make any requested edits quickly.

I find most of my favorite arts and crafts on Etsy.  There is a staggering variety, and many choices no matter where my train of thought is carrying me.  And yes, I have a Vintage shop there.  BUT, this is not an Etsy blog, or a selling site ... it's just me with my whimsy and admiration.

Today's whim sent me looking for birds with red plumage, so I am linking to Rednesday.  I wonder if anyone else is celebrating woodpeckers over at Sue Loves Cherries.

And although I can't take any credit for these 5 handsome bird images, I'm also linking to Sew Darn Crafty, at Karen's Sew Many Ways.

If you want some inspiration, check out both linky parties.  If you would rather not percolate with new ideas, easy tutorials, friendly fun and creative energy, stay away.