We awoke to a beautiful morning today whilst we were up at Carol and Ian's cabin in Pender Harbour on the Francis Peninsula. After another fine coffee (and a Mexican breakfast burrito) at a local village cafe we headed down to Baker Beach. We were extremely lucky to come across a Pileated Woodpecker and a Bald Eagle
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of all Woodpeckers and grows to 16" - 17" long. Apparently this bird was the inspiration for the Hanna-Barbera "Woody Woodpecker" Cartoon series if anyone out there remembers those great cartoons!
Finally, at last we got to see a Bald Eagle up close. The irony being here we were in Canada observing the American National Bird. I had only seen one previously, but not as close in Washington state flying overhead as we rode down the highway
They create some amazing holes in the tree trunks, looking for food.
This one is a female. The Male also has red plumage under it's beak.
What a majestic bird. He was sitting here watching the sea waiting for the right moment to launch into flight and swoop down and catch a fish for his breakfast. The moment came, he launched, he swooped, he dived - but missed the fish!
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