Williamson's Sapsucker, Conifer (Jefferson County), CO

[Richard Taylor]

Perhaps some local birders still need Williamson's Sapsucker. On the strength of a recent sighting by Art Hudak, Mary and I headed out to HotSpot Conifer Community Park at Beaver Ranch (a mile or so south of Conifer, CO) and spent over 3 hours looking. We hiked around trying to find the tree Art had posted a photo of that is riddled with sapsucker holes.  We finally found it on Tipi Loop a little south of where it intersects with Chapel Trail.  I recommend driving to the parking area for Disc Golf (near 39° 30.377'N, 105° 17.897'W).  Then walk Chapel Trail from the Disc Golf Entrance to the SW then S.  This trail intersects Tipi Loop and Loggers Loop.  Walk uphill.  See the riddled tree and start looking.  Further uphill where Loggers Loop bends to the left (SE) we found one Williamson's Sapsucker foraging with two Red-naped Sapsuckers.  There was no drumming.  The birds were generally high in the trees, but with patience, the Williamson's did move to a more accessible viewing location.  My sighting was near 39° 30.094'N, 105° 18.230'W.  I walked around to a tree-free area to get the light behind me.  ...there they were.  Otherwise birding was excellent.  See my checklist at https://ebird.org/checklist/S72161466  Note: It currently contains a ridiculous sighting of Northern Parula awaiting a reviewer to shoot it down. 

Rick Taylor, Broomfield, CO (part time), Cumming, GA (most time)