99-01-07, steppie at wolfenet.com writes:

<< I would like to add that we also went to Fort Simcoe State Park west of
Toppenish. There were at least 75, possibly more than 100 Lewis's Woodpeckers
..... These charismatic woodpeckers are not always here in winter, probably due
to crop failure of acorn mast in some years. The numbers of Lewis's
Woodpeckers at Fort Simcoe now are less than the 200+ in these oaks in October
(fide Fred Bird).

As Fort Simcoe is (or was) on the hit list of state parks to be closed due to
state budget woes, I feel it's important that birders and naturalists
recognize this important area for Garry oaks (and for its historical values)
so that it continues as a park. >>

Good heavens! An impressive winter aggregation of Lewis's Woodpeckers indeed!
I seem to have overlooked Fort Simcoe in Wahl & Paulson nor was I aware of the
importance of Garry Oaks there. In your opinion, does this area appear to
have potential to support an as yet undiscovered colony of Acorn Woodpeckers
which otherwise as is currently known reach their northern marginal limits
only in south-central Washington near Lyle, Klickitat Co? Lesser Goldfinch?

Richard Rowlett (Pterodroma at aol.com)
47.56N, 122.13W
(Seattle/Bellevue, WA, USA)