I have only just caught up with Dennis's post. If I tell you my nearest nesting woodpecker is Hoffman's, you may guess why! I had been composing an entry about whether woodpeckers in general and not just Flickers, seem to be more common in Discovery Park this year. Pileated are doing well, Hairy is perhaps more common, Downy is doing well, while Flickers are widespread. My proposed explanation is that most of the mature deciduous trees, particularly Red Alder and Big-leaf Maple are of even age. The Maples seem to be past maturity and are dying from their crowns down and are shedding large side branches. Many of the Alders and also Bitter Cherry have peaked. This creates a lot of fallen timber for Pileated and softer large branches for feeding and nest-hole excavation e.g.Flickers. Could Seattle's green belts be in a similar situation having been created at the same time (mainly as steeper slopes unsuitable for home construction) and therefore "unwanted"? I"m thinking particularly of areas such as Montlake, Interlaken Blvd, Madrona, Frink Park and Kiwanis Ravine. Does anyone have information that could add to or refute this suggestion?

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David Hutchinson, Owner
Flora & Fauna: Nature Books
Discovery Gardens: Native Plants
3212 W.Government Way
Seattle,WA.98199
http://www.ffbooks.net/
206-623-4727



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