
Sailor Bar, American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; JAN 2021
In recent weeks, a Red-breasted Sapsucker has allowed me to photograph it. I have wanted this opportunity for a couple of years. Two years ago, I saw one but had already packed up my camera gear and lost the opportunity. So, I was excited to finally see one.
A year ago, I was in Florida and was given the opportunity to photograph a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. That was special also.
The images I captured shows a signature behavior of sapsuckers. They peck to create a round hole from which the suck the sap. They get the sap from one hole then create another. In doing so they create horizontal ring around the tree. They may create many of these rings. If you see a tree with rows of holes, in horizontal rings, you may have a favorite tree to watch for sapsuckers.
According to All About Birds from Cornell Labs, the Rufous Hummingbird may follow a sapsucker and finish any sap left in a fresh hole.
Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Six Mile Cypress Preserve, Fort Meyers, FL; FEB 2020

American River Parkway, Fair Oaks, CA; JAN 2021
Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.
These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.