A few weeks ago at the Hylebos Wetlands Park in Federal Way, I spent about an hour inching closer and closer to a red-breasted sapsucker who was so intoxicated by the sap it was sucking that it stopped caring about my presence six feet away. It had a lot of orange and yellow sprinkled in its red coloration (much in the form of pin feathers), so I'm wondering if it is a hybrid, or if this is breeding-related plumage, or if it is of no significance at all.
I'd love any feedback--thanks very much in advance!
Here are some photos:
http://birdwordgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/seeing-red.html
http://birdwordgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/secret-sap.html

Clare McLean
Seattle, WA
clareishere at hotmail.com




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