Discovering the Hairy Woodpecker Family at Lake Wenatchee State Park

 

Discovering the Hairy Woodpecker Family at Lake Wenatchee State Park

 

On a radiant, blue-sky day, we ventured out on the trails of Lake Wenatchee State Park with one shared hope: to find an active woodpecker nest. Over the years, I have found abandoned or inactive cavities, but this instance appeared distinct. With family’s help, we discovered a bustling Hairy Woodpecker nest tucked into a wind-damaged tree.

From the moment we arrived, the scene was captivating. The woodpecker parents were in constant motion, darting through the trees in search of insects for their hungry chick(s). Their rhythm was mesmerizing—one parent would forage while the other stood guard and fed the young. Then, with a quick exchange, they would switch roles and repeat the cycle. It was a seamless dance of dedication and instinct.

One moment stood out. The male returned triumphantly with a large grub, clearly proud of his find. But the chick(s) hesitated, struggling with the oversized meal. After a brief pause, the male removed the grub, scanned the area for his mate, and flew off again. 

Moments later, the female arrived with a daintier spider, which the chick(s) eagerly accepted. She lingered briefly, scanning the trees, before taking off once more. 

The male returned with the same grub—and this time, the chick(s) managed to gulp it down. His persistence had paid off.

Watching this family work in harmony was a reminder of the quiet wonders that unfold in nature when we take the time to look.

Fascinating Facts About Hairy Woodpecker Nests

Hairy Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, meaning they chisel out their own homes in dead or decaying trees. Both male and female share the task of excavation, which can take three weeks. The nests are five to thirty feet above ground, often in soft wood that is easier to carve.

Inside the cavity, the female lays between 3 and 6 white eggs directly on a cushion of wood chips—the only lining in the nest. Incubation lasts around 11 to 12 days, with both parents taking turns sitting on the eggs. Once hatched, the chicks stay in the nest for about 28 to 30 days, during which both parents continue to feed them. Remarkably, the male usually takes the night shift on incubation and brooding duties.

Hairy Woodpeckers rarely reuse the same nest, preferring to carve a fresh cavity each season. The old ones, however, become valuable real estate for other forest creatures like small owls, swallows, or squirrels.




Lake Wenatchee State Park is a gem tucked into the Cascade Mountains near Leavenworth, Washington. It hugs the shores of a five-mile-long, glacier-fed lake, offering stunning views and year-round outdoor fun.

The park is split into two main areas: the South Campground, ideal for tents and smaller setups, and the North Campground, which includes partial utility hookups for RVs. There are nearly 200 campsites in total, plus hot showers, picnic areas, and even a sledding hill in winter.

In summer, you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, or hike the surrounding trails. Come winter, it transforms into a Sno-Park with groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. 

Just keep in mind—this is bear country, so coolers need to be stowed properly.

If you’re planning a visit, you can check out Washington State Parks’ official page for maps, reservations, and seasonal updates.

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™ -Chris LeBoutillier