He could easily pass for a woodpecker to the untrained eye (like mine). We ran back home and grabbed the camera and came back hoping he would still be there. Sure enough, he was still there and was more than willing to pose for some pictures. He was so unafraid of us that when my watch alarm went off, he didn't fly away, but simply stopped what he was doing until my watch quit.I walked to within about 10 feet of him clicking away the whole time and he never flew away. I guess he must be hungry.
Oh, and by the way, after looking up woodpecker in my Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of North American Birds, I learned that he was a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker Red-Naped Sapsucker (look at page 130 and you will see this guys brother). That book sure comes in handy.
So have you seen any neat looking critters in your neighborhood lately?
Are you a bird-watcher that can confirm my name?
Just dropping by to say "Hi"?
Any of the above are great reasons to hit the Comments link below and leave a message. You can also give me a shout over on Twitter if that is more your style (but a comment here is quick and easy and greatly appreciated).
------- Updated 2/23/2009 -----
Thanks to a tip in the comments below and after looking a bit closer, based on the habitat map, I think I need to revise my identification slightly. I am updating this entry accordingly to the closely related red-naped sapsucker.
Thanks to @txkyle on Twitter that confirms:
ReplyDelete"Yup, it's a male yellow-bellied sapsucker."
If you are in the west (And I'm guessing by the saguaros on your header)it could easily and more likely be a Red-naped Sapsucker. They are nearly identical to the Yellow-bellied and replace them in the west. A Yellow-bellied would be super rare in the west. And yes, Sapsuckers are in the woodpecker family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. After looking a bit closer, based on the habitat map, I think you may be right. I am updating this entry accordingly.
ReplyDeleteThanks!