Pileated Woodpeckers (male and female) 05-24-26

On Sunday, 05-24-26, I found myself going back out to where the Pileated Woodpeckers have a nest. It was nice out this morning so the lighting conditions would be better than most of the days I’ve gone out, although yesterday was pretty good, too. When I got to the area I checked the nest hole while I got my camera gear ready. I spotted the female go to the nest and go inside. I missed that opportunity. I was now ready to start photographing when I heard the male calling. While looking in his direction the female flew out of the nest hole so I missed the shot. The female flew to a tree close to the nest. She made several calls but I couldn’t see her because of all the leaves. I waited her out when she finally flew my direction and landed nearby, but I still couldn’t see her very well. More waiting…starting out a little slow. I was finally able to get some photos of her flying back to the nest. This was the first time she flew back perpendicular to the nest since I started photographing them. During my time out there today the female stayed close by to the nest tree just flying to different nearby trees. She even flew back to the nest a couple times without going inside. Just like yesterday she stayed pretty close to me and gave me several opportunities to photograph her. I couldn’t let this opportunity pass so I’m posting several images. I heard and saw the male several times before getting a shot of him coming to the nest. These images were taken in Minnesota.