Black-backed Woodpecker in PA! ~ April 14, 2001

On April 8th, the story broke about a Black-backed Woodpecker that was being seen sporadically since mid-March at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Pike County. Soon after that, Jack Padalino, the President of PEEC, called my 'Birdline' and left a message explaining the details about the discovery:

"An adult male Black-backed Woodpecker dropped in at PEEC on or about March 3rd and has been critically observed as recently as April 8th. The bird was first seen by Kristine Dzurison and Mike Brubacker, PEEC staff along the Scenic Gorge Trail. Subsequently, the bird's presence has been reported by a number of PEEC staff and its presence monitored by Patrick Scheuer, PEEC naturalist, and photographed by staff member, Brett Tillman. I managed to get my first look at the woodpecker on Friday, April 6th at 4:30 PM when it was feeding on a dead red pine tree proximal to the entrance of PEEC."

Birders travelled to PEEC, hoping to get a glimpse of this PA rarity. I spent several days there and came home empty-handed. Then, on the 14th, Sherri LaBar refound the bird and I finally got to see and photograph the bird later that morning. It spent the entire morning between signpost "2" and "3" on the uphill side of the Scenic Gorge Trail.

Black-backed Woodpecker at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, Pike County. Note the black back and heavily barred sides. This bird represents the 2nd documented Pennsylvania record and the 1st record for Pike County.

Black-backed Woodpecker at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, Pike County. Note this adult male's distinctive yellow cap on its head. This bird represents the 2nd documented Pennsylvania record and the 1st record for Pike County.
I was thrilled to be able to add this bird to my state list.

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