I know they are not supposed to be here, but I flushed a male Red-naped
Sapsucker from one of our large hazelnut trees today. The brilliant red
throat bordered by immaculate black and white facial stripes caught my
eye immediately, for I'm accustomed to seeing the Red-breasted Sapsucker
with the full red head and chest any time of the year. As the bird flew
away I could see the red crown and I believe the red at the nape plus of
course the big white wing patch. I tried to locate him again but could
not. Perhaps it could have been a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, but I doubt
it as I have seen both species in Alberta, Canada. Either one is most
unusual in Western Washington. Hope I get a chance to see him again.

Erin

Bill and Erin Woods Woods Tree Farm Redmond, WA U.S.A.
<wwwbike at halcyon.com>