On a mission

Chosen Pick of the Month. Judges' comments: "Those pileated woodpeckers are impressive and hard to sneak up on too, if you've ever tried." "Good colors." The photographer wrote: "The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in most of North America, with an average length of 15" to 19" and a wingspan of 26" to 29". This bird was approximately 16" in length and ripping the bark off an old snag to get at the food inside. Really amazing how powerful these birds are. Photo was taken 3 miles north of Sandpoint." Taken March 29.

By Dennis Wamsley