Chirps and Cheeps

A Photo Journal of My Birding Adventures & Observations

My birding blog site


  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.

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - FOY for me!

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

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Sitting Pretty: a female Purple Finch

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Female Purple Finch awaits her turn on the feeder

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Male Purple Finch

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A male Downy Woodpecker nibbles on a seed cake



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