And, finally, it has been an exceptional fall for mountain species moving into the lowlands. Observers from all over the Owens Valley are reporting Mountain Chickadees, Steller's Jays, Western Scrub-Jays, Pine Siskins and Cassin's Finches at their feeders. Most birders enjoy woodpeckers. In fact, many can relate a favorite birding experience that involves a woodpecker. He said that it was still one of his favorite birds.
Woodpeckers are usually easy to watch due to their habits.
They are not small or obscurely colored birds. They are not hyperactive, in view for a second and gone the next. In addition, they are not secretive, perching in plain view often for many minutes allowing a leisurely observation. An even dozen species have been reliably documented for Inyo County and three-fourths of these are resident birds and relatively easy to find. It is primarily a spring and fall migrant although it has nested rarely.