I have seen Lewis' Woodpeckers fairly regularly in Pike Creek Canyon
since the mid-seventies. In fact, when people ask me where they can be
surest of seeing Lewis', I suggest Pike Creek. I have found at least one
nest, but think I have had evidence of nesting at least one other time.
The nest was on the north side of the canyon, in a stub not far from the
creekbed. I remember is quite clearly because the photographers in my
class got such good chances. The date is not at hand, but I could find
it, along with much more data. And I seldom visit Pike creek before this
time of year. And...that nest was fairly low in the canyon, as I recall
just below the first major mine shaft, which is on the left going up just
before the dense stand of poplars on the right where there used to be a
building. I don't go there much any more. The sagebrush from the
aluvial fan to the road has been destroyed and the campground is worn.
The canyon itself has actually improved somewhat since it became a
wilderness study area and the cattle pressure was eased a bit. I still
love the huge number of singing lazoolees posted along the lower
reaches. Just about the time you run out of earshot of one male you hear
the next one...

Steven G. Herman
The Evergreen State College
Olympia WA 98505
(360) 866-6000, ext.6063
943-5751 (home)
hermans at elwha.evergreen.edu