Yes, they actually exist!

[Don in SJ]

My poor ole Apple tree is just punctuted with woodpecker holes, something good in the tree they like! Well, I saw this Woodpecker on the tree this afternoon, grabbed the camera and got a few pics (tree is about 40 feet from the house). I assumed it was a Downy or Hairy Woodpecker at first, but decided it was time to brush up on my bird identification knowledge and actully look in the books.

I went uh oh, it is neigher of those birds, then I saw a similar one but it was a photograph of a Male, so I had to do some googling to get a pic of a female, and yes, got a postive ID.

A female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker! I guess after reading, they must like the sap of Apple trees. Funny, I just don't remember seeing this type of Woodpecker before on the property, but perhaps I just did not look closely enough at the markings.

Don

 

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[COUNTRY GIRL]

I have never seen one either! I'd have had to pull the books out also. What a great looking bird, thanks for sharing!

 

[warsawdaddy]

I prefer the red-headed,double-breasted breed.But nice pic.

 

[Don in SJ]

Good video Nick, that is a beautiful Male, either one stupid one, since no sap in that fence, or just tapping to stake territory for a female.
Red Headed Woodpeckers are the state bird here, but they are only seen once in a blue moon. Usually seen in our area are, Red-Bellied, Flickers, Downy, Hairy types, so now I know to look for the ole Sapsucker.

Don

 

[LadyDigger]

The tree just a few feet from the back door of the garage....we thought it was a woodpecker...after seeing your pic...it was the same bird. They "holed" up that tree so bad.....the tree died and we had to have it cut down this past Spring. When branches were being cut off....we looked at them and they were practically hollowed!!! Infact, this tree is still laying in big limbs in the backyard...waiting for hubby to chop it up for firewood!

From the pic you posted, those little holes...they were all over the tree....Oh well, it needed to come down anyways, it was too close to the house. I don't like cutting trees down, but sometimes, you have to do what has to be done!

 

[wesfrye53]

Nice pic Don! Now I am beginning to wonder if a few of what I've seen in my apple trees might have been one of these!

 

[Mental Granny]

I have never see one before either or I just didn't pay attention to the markings! Next time I hear one I will look more closely! Thank-you for sharing!

 

[bootybay]

Don, neat photo... thanks for sharing as well...