Having never seen a Black-backed Woodpecker and needing to get out of the
city for a while, this morning I dug out my file copy of the
Stepniewski/Granstrand directions to the burn off Hiway 410. Great
directions! After huffing and puffing up the road in 90 degree weather, we
arrived at the spot at about 1:00 PM, convinced that no self-respecting
birds would be out feeding at that time of day in that heat.

As we arrived at the spot we heard the sound of woodpeckers tapping and saw
fragments dropping from a burned tree about 75 feet in front of us. We had
great looks at two Black-backs through the scope. They then flew closer in
to a large, live Ponderosa, working around the tree giving us really
close-up views from all angles.

Just after the two birds flew off down the hillside, two other birders on
their way to the WOS conference joined us (sorry guys, but the names didn't
stick). They headed down deeper into the burn as we headed back. Would be
interested in knowing if any more were spotted.

Thanks to Denny and Andy for sharing this information. It made for a great
birding adventure close to home. Another good example of Tweeters at its
best.

Grant Hendrickson
Redmond, WA