January 12, 2009
Backyard Sapsucker
I couldn't resist posting some more shots of the beautiful Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the backyard. It works the same tree for several hours of the day.
The lack of a red throat means this isn't an adult male; the faintness of the facial stripes makes me wonder whether this is a bird moulting out of juvenal plumage rather than an adult female.
Here it can be seen drinking from a sap-hole (note the neat line of holes it has excavated).
Evidently a messy eater, a droplet of sap can be seen at the base of the bill.
