Hi, all you bird watchers! Jan. 7th Richard Hendrick and I went up
Central Ferry Canyon for the first time this winter. This area was
heavily burned last fall. The road is not open all the way through, so
you have to turn around at the Riggs's Ranch. All we saw on the way up
were Magpies and Ravens. BUT, on the way back down we heard Red
Crossbills, and woodpeckers. Yes, some of them were Black-backed
Woodpeckers and yes, I was very excited. I'd been told they might show
up, but I didn't expect them at this time of year. We saw at least 2
males, and one female. I got some photos, and sent them to Matt Bartells.
We saw them near the entrance to Packwood Cemetery. The road in to the
cemetery has not been plowed, and we got more snow yesterday, so birding
from the road is the only option. Unless you have snowshoes. Road is
plowed and in good shape for this time of year. We also saw Hairy and
Downy Woodpeckers. We heard the Black-backed calling and it was certainly
different from the Hairy and/or Downy. I hope they stick around and I get
to see them several more times. Meredith Spencer, Bridgeport.