Pileated woodpeckers were phantom birds when I was a kid camping in the Adirondacks. 
 
We had lots of fun swimming, hiking, swatting black flies and skeeters, paddling across Indian Lake in summer with my folks.  
 
Mom and Dad were birders, and when we got old enough to be on our own, or it was the third cold wet rainy day in tents, they said "We're going to go down the Cedar River Road and look for Pileated woodpecker. 
 
So off they went with birding friends, having a great time wandering through the woods looking for what was then a rare bird in the NE.
 
I'm happy to say the Pileated birds are flying high,  a growing population across North America today.  
 
Isn't that wonderful?
 
And award winning artist Ram Papish was kind enough to paint this scene after a little conversation about my goals. for the art. 
 
You should check out his other wonderful art on his website. 
 
Here is a passage from about Yosemite highlighting all the birds he encountered, including the Pileated. 
 
Sharing his words here in hopes you enjoy your next hike with the same enthusiasm and attention to details. uncomfortable in the weather.