First of Year: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Published March 22, 2012
Tags: My Feeders, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Purple Finch, Downy Woodpecker, Western New York
While working out on my deck on yet another gorgeous day here in Western New York, I saw movement on the maple tree out towards the front of our house. Quickly, I determined it was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: the first of the year sighting for me!
I grabbed my camera (always close by) and crept as close as I dared. I took over 50 shots, but, unfortunately, I needed to be closer and / or I needed my tripod. It also goes without saying, I NEED A NEW LENS! My family is pretty sick of hearing me whine about it! One of these years, one of these years!
After I downloaded the photos onto my laptop, I saw the quasi acceptable quality and knew I had to try again. I set-up a little blind in my living room and waited for him to return again, but no luck. I would've had some much better photos if he had. Ahhh, wasn't meant to be, I guess...
Anyway, the best of the shots are posted below.
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - FOY for me! |  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
 Sitting Pretty: a female Purple Finch |  Female Purple Finch awaits her turn on the feeder |
 Male Purple Finch |  A male Downy Woodpecker nibbles on a seed cake |