Northampton, Lehigh and Berks counties also host nesting pileateds. It's even been discovered nesting in Philadelphia's Wissahickon Park. It's estimated their numbers are growing at 3.3 percent statewide. Compare that to their demise at the turn of the century and before when Pennsylvania's great forests were leveled. Here today, gone tomorrow birds that may be seen once or twice are the result of natural wanderings, usually when food supplies diminish in winter.
Natural dispersion occurs as the young separate from their parents in early fall.
Studies show the nomads may set up housekeeping 20 miles away from the places they were hatched. Oh yes, the pileated is one bird that doesn't need to be seen to know its there or has been there at one time or another. In its fall and winter wanderings it bores deep into the hearts of rotting wood where carpenter ants, beetles and other insects retire for the cold season. Its large, trademarked excavations, often rectangular, may measure a few inches to several feet. Large chips frequently cover the ground below such drillings.