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The pileated woodpecker is one of more than 100 species of birds spotted at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.
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Habitat: Riparian and wetland sloughs along Icicle Creek, meadows with ponderosa pines, soaring hillsides blackened in 1994 forest fire.
Birding season: Spring through fall.
Birds commonly seen: More than 100 species have been recorded here. On Icicle Creek, watch for bald eagles, ospreys, common mergansers and American dippers. In brush and nearby pines, look for Western tanagers; white-headed, pileated, and hairy woodpeckers; red crossbills; red-breasted nuthatches; rufous hummingbirds, Cassin's finches; Swainson's thrushes; gray catbirds; veeries, and five species of warblers. Five species of swallows forage above the creek.
Viewing tips: Walk past fish-rearing areas to river, cross canal to mile-long interpretive loop trail for excellent birding, especially in the morning.
Special event: Leavenworth hosts the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest. Organizers include the North Central Washington Audubon Society. See www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com
Getting there: From Everett, go east over Stevens Pass on Highway 2 and continue to the outskirts of Leavenworth at Milepost 99, then turn south onto Icicle Road. Drive 2.2 miles. Turn left (east) onto Hatchery Road. Drive to parking area.
For information: leavenworth.fws.gov or 509-548-7641
Source: Audubon Washington. For a free map of "Cascade Loop" birding sites, call 866-922-4737 and ask for the Great Washington State Birding Trail map, or request online (wa.audubon.org).
THE SEATTLE TIMES 
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