We met at the Lime Kiln Trail. We hiked directly to the burned area near the clearing and took the well-trod trail to the north.
It was fairly quiet, so we soon heard vigorous tapping, which
turned out to be the first of several Hairy Woodpeckers that we would see. We wandered around in the burn area and heard
then saw a Pileated Woodpecker fly over.
Jane and Connie also saw a Downy Woodpecker. But no sign of a Black-backed. Yet.
We could hear some faint tapping further in and to the
right, so we all wandered over in that direction until we hit a side trail,
which we followed back to the Lime Kiln, after spotting still another Hairy.
We went back to our starting point again. The ladies explored the south side of the
trail, while I went onto the north side again.
Suddenly, there it was right in front of me - a female Black-backed
Woodpecker.
They all came running, but there was no hurry. The Black-backed stayed put for dozens of
photos and videos.
We hiked out to the cars, meeting my friend, Francesca, and
her friend walking their rescue dogs.
Nadine had to go, but Connie, Jane & I headed over to
Bridlewood to look for the Northern Hawk Owl at the Old Quarry Trail.
As we hiked up the trail, we saw three photographers in the
middle of the field, so we headed right for them. The owl had just made a kill and flown up to
a tree to rest. We hiked over and got
our photos. Then another photographer
arrived bearing mice.
He set a couple free, but the owl did not budge. We waited a while, but Jane and Connie
decided to move on. Shortly after,
another photographer arrived with even more mice. he tried too, but our quarry was not
impressed. I tried of the game and
called it a day.
