Earlier this month someone posted a note about wanting a reliable spot
for Black-backed Woodpeckers. I think I may have one that's not too hard
to get to. The spot is at the Mineral Springs campground, T21N R17E,
S27, Kittitas Co., right off US 97 north of Cle Elum and Ellensburg.
The campground is on the West side of US 97. Once you've turned in,
the road crosses Swauk Creek, and comes to a 'T'. Take the left
(south) road, which is just a loop through 4 tent sites. Park anywhere
here and follow the horse trail which runs south-southwest from campsite
2. It will shortly cross a very small creek, and you will be in an open
pine forest, with quite a bit of meadow around. Many (possibly 1/3) of
the trees in this area show evidence of recent bark-flaking. The trail
forms a 'T' with another horse trail which runs N-S. Going north for a
few hundred yards might find the bird(s). We found one just about 100
yards south of the T. Again, bark was flaked off on several trees.
Follow the trail south of the T. It will go over a small ridge with some
dense trees, then open up again onto an open forest/meadow. We saw it
about 100 feet W of here. I suppose there's probably a nest around, but
don't know for sure, as it was getting late and didn't want to stick
around to find it. I think this might be reliable based on the fact that
so many trees showed flaking, and it seemed fresh. Whether or not
there's a nest around will take a little stalking, but this bird
certainly has been busy in this area recently.

While you're in the area, go to the Swauk campground, where Williamson's
Sapsuckers are nesting. Drive down the driveway until it dead-ends.
Park here and follow the trail about 100 yards. Then look across the
creek to see 2 snags with 20-30 holes in them (each). The one to the
west has a fungus about 1/2 way up, Williamson's are in the 2nd hole
above it (and a RB Nuthatch is 7 holes down from them). They were
feeding chicks June 18, so who knows when they will fledge.

Mike Smith
University of Washington
whimbrel at u.washington.edu

PS Sorry to make this so long, but woodpecker hunters should also know
that we scoured the Camas Creek burn 2 weeks ago, only to find Hairys.
Last year were nesting Hairy, Black-backed, Red-Naped SS, and a (not
nesting?) White-headed, for the Birdathon woodpecker trip.