I checked several times last year with no luck and heard from many
helpful and presumably knowledgeable birders that Black-Backed
Woodpeckers prefer to feed on beetle larvae that typically are present
the first few seasons after a burn. In other words, Elk Heights is a n
old burn now and doesn't have the right kind of beetle larvae to
appeal anymore. Andy Stepniewski advised me to ask the Forest Service
for locations of fresh burns from last year and then check those out,
which seems like a solid plan. If only my work schedule would
cooperate, BBWO would be a "lifer" for me..

Gary Kelsberg

kelsberg at u.washington.edu