Puzzle Oak Tree in a Blue Autumn Sky -

The noise of a pileated woodpecker chipping holes drew my eyes upward into the massive branches high above me. Just as I raised my camera, the giant bird scooted around the trunk of this great old tree. Pileated woodpeckers are quite shy! While I waited for the woodpecker to come back into view, I noticed what a striking oak tree this was, its full canopy against an amazing blue sky. I have no idea what happened to the woodpecker... I am grateful my attention changed --- because a year later the tree was cut down. I like to think I captured its essence in this magic moment, perhaps so we could remember it together. Hopefully, the woodpecker lives, though maybe a little sad still...like me.