Scott Downs just asked me about my post particularly the Grainery Tree and directions to where I saw the birds this weekend. First the comment on the Grainary Tree. The reason why I stated that I can't vouch for the accuracy of the local gentleman's statement is that the Grainary Tree is only a quarter to half a mile flight from where I saw the birds. So it is not at all inconceivable that the birds are flying down to use the same tree.

For directions to find the birds. Go to Lyle. On the west side of the Klickitat River simply take Hwy. 8 off of Hwy. 14. Go to Balch Rd. Turn right and go up the hill about 200 yards and there is an old school house and a farm yard just down the hill from there with a couple of sided out buildings. Close to the road just south of the out buildings are 3-4 big Pine trees. There is 1 dead one. I saw 1 there and then the other 1 just down the hill and in another dead pine just to the east.

Please remember this is private property and you need to stay on the road right of way. I asked permission of the owners of the out buildings to look for the woodpecker and the ladies husband wasn't home. She wasn't comfortable with me looking around without her husband's permission. I think in the future if someone asks the husband's permission will be given. The owner of the out buildings lives down on Highway 8 just west of Balch Rd. in the house with the big horse sigh in front of it.

For up to the minute reports you can talk to the owner of the school house he seems to keep track of them. He was quite amiable.

Roger Moyer
Chehalis, WA
From: downess at charter.net
To: rogermoyer1 at hotmail.com
Subject: Acorn Woodpecker
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:32:47 -0700










Roger,
Saw your post on Acorn Woodpeckers. I did stop by
the location on Hwy. 8 earlier this spring and had luck, but perhaps they are
not using the tree now. I am leading a Yakima Valley Audubon trip next weekend
to this area. In case the Acorn Woodpeckers aren't using the granary tree any
longer, can you give me the directions to where you had them?

Thanks.

Scott Downes