For what it's worth, I'd like to see if I can get some people to comment on
post-breeding season (September-October)occurrence of Lewis's Woodpeckers in
oak woodlands in Washington. I gather that one of the primary arguments
against the notion that a failed acorn crop has created some recent
wanderings, is that many, probably most, of our Lewis's Woodpeckers don't
nest anywhere near oaks.

I've not had the pleasure to see Lewis's Woodpeckers very often. However,
the more memorable sightings have been large numbers in oak groves near
Lyle, two different locations, and both during the late summer/early fall
period. I'm wondering if some or many Lewis's Woodpeckers might move to
oak-rich environments after the breeding season.

"Birds of Washington" describes the species as wintering in oak woodlands
and dependent upon mast supply. So, it seems likely that birds arriving in
their winter habitat, probably during August or early September, finding
mast production low to non-existent, would have no choice but to move on.

Kelly McAllister
Olympia