Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Yes Virginia, there really is a bird called a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker! I was just getting ready to go out and do a last minute grocery shopping run this morning when I saw a bird eating from the suet feeder. It was eating in an odd position, holding the tree and turning its head to peck at the suet (most birds hold onto the wire feeder!). When I noticed it had red under its chin, I realized it was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius). I grabbed my camera and started snapping away. I figured the grocery shopping could wait a bit longer!


A few minutes later, a female Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) (lower right) landed on the tree branch waiting her turn to grab a bite to eat.


After the sapsucker had his fill to eat, he hopped around to the side of the tree. It gave me a nice opportunity to get some good shots, even a short movie!