A Pileated Woodpecker flew over our pond and perched in a tree on the south
side.  The bird called loudly and began drilling.  When it called again, one
of our chickens started and all alert call and repeated it.  The pileated
answered.  The hen called again; again the pileated called.  This call and
response continued for 2 or 3 minutes with the pileated flying to and from
trees in our yard while calling.  The seven hens were alert but not alarmed
as they are when a hawk flies nearby.  Then all settled into normal pecking
and drilling mode, except for an occasional surveillance flyover of the pen
by the pileated.

 

Barbara Brosnan

Weybridge