1978 Walter D. Koenig 5 Melanerpes formicivorus 1 km W. El Palmito, Durango Hwy., Sinaloa, Mexico, elev. 6800 ft. 16 January Today Pam and I walked along roads leading in from the fire-house (now deserted) just 1 km from El Palmito (the spot discussed in Peter Alden's book). We walked through excellent Pine-Oak habitat (still rather devoid of quite large individuals of either, however, but still thick woodland) for several hours, and never once saw nor heard any ATW. Quite amazing. (I know they're here somewhere, however - perhaps our late start and the cloudy weather inhibited seeing any). We'll try here again tomorrow. 17 January This morning we again took the walk out to the barranca, as well as taking in some extra pine-oak woodland on some other trails as well, but once again, despite a constant vigilance, neither saw nor heard any Acorn Woodpeckers. At least one oak near the edge of the barranca had a very good acorn crop (most of which had already fallen) and we collected 100 or so of them (it was the "Big-leaved" species we came across at El Batel). Hopefully I'll get a chance to look at insect damage in them. Durango Hwy between El Palmito and El Salto, Durango, Mexico During the afternoon we casually drove east along the highway, admiring the incredible views and keeping an eye out for Woodpeckers or their works. We were rewarded several times, as listed below: 1) 9 m E. El Palmito 8600' elev. Old Pine Storage snag.