First Pileated Woodpecker 600 Road Lewisburg Saddle Swainson's Thrush, Steller's Jay, MacGillivray's Warbler, Flicker

I was on my way downhill half a mile from the parking lot, at the end of what I thought had been an unsuccessful birding outing.

Then, to my right, I spied my little MacGillivray's Warbler and started shooting pics. As im doing that, off to my left I hear very loud calling birds and I don't know what bird it is but I am thinking that it is an important one, that I need to turn my attention away from the photogenic MacGillivray's and see this new bird.

Finally, I turned and there he was, a massive Pileated Woodpecker within camera range. My heart was racing, my hands shaking. I started snapping pictures. Then a Swainson's Thrush shows up, on the same tree, just lower and on the other side branch.

A Flicker joined the party, quickly followed by a pair of Stellers Jay's. All of this within 3 to 5 minutes.

I had to make quick decisions about which bird to pursue, take photos of. It felt like magic, like the sky opened up and birds just flew to my location. In reality, the Stellers were protecting their territory, as was the Swainson's, because on a subsequent walk, they both live in that area.

It was amazing! A once in a lifetime event! Major Excitement!!