1) I'll be cycling from Chelan to Omak next Friday across Loup Loup Pass and I remember about a year ago there was a fire in the Ponderosa forest a few miles east of the summit. Seems like it might be a good time and place to look for Black-backed Woodpeckers (birding by bike along the side of the road). Has anyone seen any there yet?

Thanks in advance for any help- I've spent the last two years periodically combing through burned forests but have yet to add one to my list.

2) FYI: Last year at the same time I got some great Bobolink sightings cycling along the Aeneas Valley Road. Bright males were singing from fence posts along the roadside about 1/4 to 1/2 mile beyond the turnoff from Hwy 20 over Wauconda Pass, where there is an expanse of damp meadows. I also had a low flyover by an adult Northern Goshawk about 3 miles east of the Wauconda Pass summit along Hwy 20 (good thing there was no traffic because I was pedaling all over the road trying to keep it in view). Great area for lots of great birds (and a moose) and great biking too, with good shoulders, low traffic, nice climbs, good scenery and drier weather than we have at home.

Gary Kelsberg
Seattle