First time seen on our property and thus FOY yellow-bellied sapsucker. He was was taping on the metal flashing on the edge of our garage roof. I went to see if the downspout had fallen off or something when I heard the tapping noise. At first glance I thought it was one of the hairy woodpeckers in unusual behavior and then took another look. With a solid look, it was clear from red on head and throat that this was a yellow-bellied sapsucker male. Hope he will take up residence in our woods.

Can anyone explain the common name? Why emphasize the yellow when the red is most obvious color? Is there yellow on the belly that is not noticeable?

Rob and Kay in Hinesburg


 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: L. W. <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Fri, Apr 9, 2010 6:02 pm
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] VTBIRD Digest - 6 Apr 2010 to 7 Apr 2010 (#2010-98)


We have had a juvenile yellow-bellied sapsucker on a birch in our yard in
the Shelburne Rd area of South Burlington for the past half-hour or so. Nice
yard bird!

Laurel Williams