Woodpeckers in the Desert

Most people, even most birders, might not think of woodpeckers when they think of the southwest, but in fact Arizona has a wealth of woodpeckers unrivaled almost anywhere north of Mexico. Several species are even adapted to life in the desert, where the picid pickings might seem slim. On Denis’s Catalina State Park walk this morning, the first of what looks to be a very good season indeed, we enjoyed no fewer than five species as we wandered through the saguaro forests: Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, and Gilded Flicker.

 

The least flashy of them all is also my favorite: the ladder-back. These small, quiet woodpeckers spend much of their time close to the ground, hunting quietly in the shade of the mesquites. No one seems to have filled this fine male in, though, as he perched, rather Wryneck-like, for several minutes against the blue sky for us to admire.

By the way, Lawrence’s Goldfinches continue to drink and bathe in Sutherland Wash in Catalina SP, so get out there and enjoy them!