Posted by Rod Kissinger on March 22, 2009 at 4:47 PM
I originally thought that this was some kind of a woodpecker. Because it was, well, pecking wood like a woodpecker. As I searched I think I found out that this was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Yep, you got it Rod! The male has a solid red chin, the female has a white patch on the chin, then red. I am surprised he is still hanging around. He needs to go way north this time of year!
Too bad that twig is up front and out of focus but these guys don't stay still for long.
Best,
Don
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on March 23, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Nice catch Rod. I don't think I've ever seen one of these in the wild and if I did I probably miss identified it. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Barry Southon on March 23, 2009 at 4:43 PM
I believe that it is actually a Red-naped Sapsucker based on the large white area on its wing. See the following (sorry that thier photo is of poor quality).
http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i4021id.html
Maybe Rod would submit his photo to replace the one on the USGS' page.
Discussion
4 repliesRod
Too bad that twig is up front and out of focus but these guys don't stay still for long.
Best,
Don
Very nice capture of a difficult subject.
Barry
Milford Ks
http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i4021id.html
Maybe Rod would submit his photo to replace the one on the USGS' page.
Daryl Barnhouse
Russellville, AR.