Lewis's Woodpecker, Centenial Cone Park, Jefferson County

[Brian Johnson]

Today I deiced to head to a different Jeffco park. Centennial Cone, in Clear Creek Canyon. I parked at the West Trailhead and hiked a part of Elk Ridge Trail. On the way back I found two Lewis's Woodpeckers.

I found them in a gully area with several cottonwoods, some dead and a few alive. They were activity flycatching. The area is about 300 feet or so from the parking lot, if google maps is right.

To get there you will need to park at the West Trailhead, be advised there is multiple trailheads, you want Centennial Cone West Trailhead. From Golden take US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon. At the intersection with HWY 119, Peak to Peak Highway, follow 119 about a quarter mile to Douglas Mountain rd. Take this snakey narrow road to the trailhead, there is a large wooden sign for Jeffco Parks. From the parking lot follow Elk Ridge Trail, don't go down the Travios Trail. Stay on Elk Ridge Trail. The trail at this point is not to difficult, past the woodpecker area it gets steep. They are in the cottonwood gully you will come to, the trail bends to the right then cross on the other side of the gully. They might even have a nest, but I could not verify that.

One other important note, Centennial Cone has alternating travel use on weekends. Hiking/horse prohibited on Even-numbered Weekend days and biking prohibited on odd numbered weekend days. There is a $50 fine. Don't let this bird be a $50 woodpecker. Plan accordingly.

Good Birding Brian Johnson,

Englewood

[Stephen H]

Thanks Brian. Due to your directions I found the pair this morning and observed them awhile, though today they were out considerably further than 300 ft from the parking lot.

During that period, a bullsnake climbed a tree near them and entered a cavity a ways up.  The birds approached as it was climbing up and seemed annoyed, and landed several times to peer into the hole. The snake left after maybe 10 minutes.

I don't think that's where their nest is, however.  I later saw one of the pair enter a cavity in a tree about 20m away several times, and each time it was followed by a cacophony of chirps and squeaks from inside.

I should have some decent photos once I get around to sorting them. I filled up my entire memory card for the first time.

Stephen Hendrix