On June 19, at Buck Meadows on Manashtash Ridge (about 4000 ft. elevation), I
observed three woodpeckers which I thought, at first glance, might be
juvenile Flickers. However, after following them around a bit, I believed
them to be female Williamson's Sapsuckers.. These three birds were brown,
with the back and sides heavily barred (and spotted) with black and white.
The heads were plain brown and they all had white rump patches. The one bird
whose underside I was able to see had a black upper breast and yellow belly.
They were noticeably smaller than adult N. Flickers. This seemed to me early
for juveniles, but I couldn't find information on breeding dates for
Washington. They seemed to behave like juveniles, with lots of chattering and
flying quite low to the ground. The only other explanation I can think of is
that this species might, in some circumstances, be somewhat colonial.
However, my experience in the past has been that they are pretty much
limited to a pair in one location.
I have been unable to find much information on juvenile Williamson's
Sapsuckers. Does anyone have information on breeding chronology for
Washington?
Thanks for any information.
Brenda Senturia
Bbsenturia at aol.com