American Three-toed Woodpecker (Latin Name), mixed conifer grove near Baca Meadow in Black Canyon s. of Heber, Navajo County

These American Three-toed Woodpecker were discovered by Eric, Elaine and Bob Hought and photographed by Eric Hough on 07 September 2009.

Eric writes:

"While there are breeding populations further west along the Mogollon Rim in s. Coconino County and in the White Mountains to the east, there are few records of this species in s. Navajo County. There appears to be a movement of this species across the Sitgreaves National Forest this summer and fall, as there have been sightings from Pinetop-Lakeside and Twin Spring (near Forest Lakes). The birds have all been seen in patches of second-growth ponderosa pine forests that have not burned recently (although they are adjacent to the Rodeo-Chediski burn area). Presumably they are seeking out insect-infested trees. Perhaps these infestations have increased and the movement of these woodpeckers sparked by the below-normal precipitation experienced throughout the region (and the state) this monsoon season, which may be forcing these birds to actively seek out food sources.

Two birds were photographed foraging together. Due to the lighting, it is hard to tell in the one photograph if one bird is a male or not. The general impression of the observers (Eric, Elaine, and Bob Hough) was that both birds looked like females though."

07 September 2009, photo by Eric Hough