I am watching a Red-bellied Sapsucker in a conifer tree outside my office window
working away making rows and columns of holes. Hanging out in the tree above
him/her is a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. As soon as the Sapsucker flys off or even
moves to the back of the tree the kinglet drops in and flutters around checking
out all the holes. Does anyone know, is the kinglet drinking the sap? Or is the
kinglet interested in something in the bark that the sapsucker's activity has
disrupted?

The Sapsucker has no noticable white wing patches. The white moustachial stripe
is just a small white spot between the base of the bill and the eye. The flank
and belly are grey and slightly barred. A first-year perhaps?

The White-throated Sparrow was back again yesterday afternoon. Glad to know,
Gene, that I'm OK. And we know that you're OK. Hummm, maybe there is a book
possibility. ;-)

Frances Wood
5200 Butterworth Road
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 232-4757