I tried to do some research and photo work for a future "The Hungry Bird"
column today at Higbee Canyon south of LaJunta. Taking a cue from David
Dowell's recent post from this area, I was trying to locate Ladder-backed
Woodpeckers in cholla cactus. I did not. However, I did see:
Cassin's Finch (1m, 1f) along the road eating wild sunflowers
Mountain Bluebird (a few 100) in sunflower, on rabbitbrush, flycatching from
wires, going to the ground
Northern Shrike (2)
Loggerhead Shrike (1)
Curve-billed Thrasher (2)
Canyon Towhee (5)
Canyon Wren (heard) on the big rocky bluff to the north of the road
Say's Phoebe (1, maybe 2)
Pine Siskin (8) in sunflowers
Western Scrub-Jay (2) foraging within pinyon pine crowns in the cemetery
no Rufous-crowned Sparrows
no Greater Roadrunners (probably entrenched near the homes and ranch buildings)
no Ladder-backed Woodpeckers
no Wild Turkeys
Total of 25 spp.
If anyone knows of an area where they see ladderbacks foraging in cholla
consistently, I would appreciate knowing the specific location. Ideally, what
I need is a specific part of a specific plant being worked on by a woodpecker
that flies away at my approach for the purpose of doing an autopsy on the
plant. Second best would be an area where the woodpeckers have been foraging
in recent days. Examination of either type of situation would require
permission from the landowner, of course, which I am certainly willing to
pursue. Thank you.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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