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November 13, 2009 - 2

Cool sightings of the week:
As briefly mentioned, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was spotted again in the backyard this past week. About eight inches in length with black and white streaked face, a red patch on the forehead, elongated white patch on shoulder of black wings, and a yellowish central belly area. The male sports a red chin while the female's chin is white. The sapsucker's back is an interesting mix of black and white patterns sometimes swirled and sometimes more geometric in shape. I watched the sapsucker making it's way between trees, apparently gleaning insects while climbing each tree trunk, then moving onto the next one. With an obvious red chin, it was most certainly the male sapsucker that was seen. 

Upon checking my favorite bird book, I learned that this yellow-bellied sapsucker may have just returned to roost in our area for the winter. Though year-long residents in locations as nearby as Pennsylvania, their infrequent sightings here leave me willing to concur with my bird book. I snapped a few photos which I'll try to get on the website soon so you can see for yourself. Either way, I welcomed the male yellow-bellied sapsucker home and wished him well as he continued his feathered dance through the trees. It was very cool!

This has been The Backyard Report for November 13th.
Heard on WDVR FM every Friday at 3PM during Anything Goes!


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