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The pileated woodpecker is a large, crow-sized bird that inhabits bottomland forests. It is found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and its range extends into Canada and some of the western and north-central states.
This family of nesting pileated woodpeckers was discovered within a few miles of the Illinois Raptor Center by Pam and John Schnake who alerted IRC staff to their presence.
I am indebted to Pam and John who invited Jacques Nuzzo and me to watch the nest with them. I also was able to share their story with the readers of The State Journal-Register where I work.
Having been afforded only glimpses of pileated woodpeckers in the past, it was a privilege to observe them at the nest.
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