I was on Orcas Island a couple of weeks ago and in addition to watching two Red Breasted Sapsuckers mate I could hear the far-off drumming of another woodpecker. For being as far away as it was (gauged by the echo) it was very loud as though it was hitting very hard wood, lots of taps in rapid succession that were too fast to count the hits, very rapid fire. I am not adept at identifying birds by drumming so I consulted Sibley and it left me still unsure. Hairy Woodpecker appeared to be the fastest drummer according to the Sibley notes.

Any thoughts?

Steve Graham
Seattle, Greenlake
amdamgraham at hotmail dot com