[cobirds] ACORN WOODPECKER along South Platte River; Jefferson and Douglas Counties

Karen Martin and Judy Carrier were surprised by the unexpected appearance of an ACORN WOODPECKER 

at one of their many feeders on Saturday, July 7. There was no mistaking the ID, as the bird came often to 

feast on sunflower seeds. They are experienced birders and obtained photos.

There was some difficulty in posting this on Cobirds, as was their intent,

but Karen and I were able to get in touch today. The woodpecker would be the first Jefferson County Record

if approved by the CBRC. It was seen most of the day on July 8th too.

Tim Smart, Dick Schottler and I travelled up to their picturesque and birdy home to wait for the re-appearance of this 

rara avis. Karen and I had met a couple of years ago when a male Painted Bunting had shown up at those feeders.

She is a CFO member, and we reminisced about the recent CFO Convention in Trinidad.

There were scores and scores of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds all around their floriferous yard, darting

to and fro amongst the many sugar water feeders. Black-headed Grosbeaks were thick, but alas, the only woodpeckers

present during the hour or so we were able to be there were several Hairy's and a Downy. Karen subsequently told me 

that she continued to wait for the "Clown-faced Woodpecker" to reappear, but had not seen it as of 4 PM today. Is it

gone forever or will it reappear?

Visitors are welcome to park along Jefferson County Road 97, from where the feeders can be seen well. 

The best viewing spot is a few yards west or upstream of a "P for Parking allowed" sign, which is located near their driveway. 

From there one can clearly see the many feeders near their deck. If you can see the blue chairs you are in the right spot.

Douglas County is right across the river at that point and the woodpecker had frequently been seen flying back and forth over

it. 

Directions:

Travel southwest of Denver along Highway 285 from its intersection with C-470. After passing through the village

of Aspen Park, watch for a sign for "Kennedy Gulch Road." Exit 285 here, go under Hway 285, following the clear signs to Foxton Road,

and go southeast on Foxton Road as it winds down, down, through minor road construction at Reynolds Park and on down to the S Platte River. Once here

take the river road east, which is Jeffco 97, DOWNSTREAM about 2.6 miles to the mailbox marked 17355. Near the mailbox

you will see the only "P" sign (for parking allowed). Park here and walk back up the road a few yards until  you can see the feeders

at their home. The road is narrow here, so please watch out for traffic. 

Joe Roller, 

Denver

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