** Reply to note from Michael P.

>
> Gerald Hamilton writes:
>
> >.....The Red-breasted Sapsucker is 'lifer' for me. It wasn't present the
> >first time I went by the oak tree(it was reported earlier as having been
> >seen).
>
> There's a good chance this bird was a migrant--if it's on an oak tree, it's
> not in usual habitat; I heard of another Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus
> ruber a few days ago in an area of Greater Vancouver BC in which they're not
> resident.

Take it from an area where Red-breasteds do not overwinter (usually), they are on
the move. First one back in P.G. week 3 March this year. Pretty slow going this
spring though due to still freezing overnight temperatures holding back insect
hatches and early blossoms. Supposed to warm up early next week so might be
the big rush then.

- Jack

------------------
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca