Lewis's Woodpeckers: return to nest site area

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It is my experience that after the Lewis's Woodpecker young fledge the parents move them quickly away from the nest site as soon as their flight skills allow, likely to reduce predation which is reported to be heavy by American Kestrels (per Birds of North America online). So I haven't seen these birds for two weeks since they were still in the nest until this morning when the parents brought them back while foraging. I got some close views (30-40 feet from me, close for this species) as they landed in a snag almost directly above me. In order not to flush them I stayed in my car and took these photos out the car window-which required uncomfortable positioning that would have been easier to do when I was in my 20's. SeEtta


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