American Three-toed woodpecker on Green Mountain Trail--Boulder Mountain Parks

[David Ely]

Cobirders,

 

While hiking the Green Mountain West Ridge Trail this afternoon, I found a male American Three-toed woodpecker drumming on a dead snag a very short distance off the trail.  If you park at the trailhead along Flagstaff Road, right where Boulder Mountain Parks begins/ends (depending on what way you are driving from) and walked 0.65 of a mile down the West Ridge Trail, you will find the spot.  There is a large round house on the right hand side of the trail here.  The bird was about 100 yards before the house.  There is a section of snow fence along the trail at the spot that is falling down.  Look in the dead snags to the left of this fallen snow fence.  I found this bird to be quite approachable, but unfortunately I was unable to obtain photos.  Listen for the distinct drumming that trails off at the end into a couple of distinct knocks.

Additionally, I think I heard a black bear foraging downhill from this spot.  There wasn't much of a breeze and I heard a few crackling sounds, then a tree crash to the ground about 75-100 yards downhill from me.  I had my dog with me and he had become "concerned" just before this happened as well.  I know trees fall in the woods all the time, but I just got the sense this one was assisted.  It could've been human-caused as well.  At any rate, if you look for the woodpecker you may be lucky enough to see a bear in the area as well.

Other than the woodpecker, things were pretty quiet. 

 

David Ely

Boulder, CO and Salem, MA