~~"When The Opportunity Thuds Against The Window"~~

I was working in the opposite end of the house when I heard a thud against the sliding door glass in the living room!   When I came out to check a few minutes later I was very surprised to see poor Mr Yellow Bellied Sapsucker spread eagle, and knocked silly !   If you only knew how many times I have tried to get a photo of this fella, and here he lies in front of my door ...not the way I wanted to get photos of him!! !!  I felt like I should be helping him, but he was alert enough to see me when I came to the door ..so I got the camera and started clicking away, while keeping an eye on his progress!!

I was fascinated by the details of his feather pattern, right down to the tips of yellow

on his tail feathers...such a beautiful bird!!

I felt a little guilty just staring and taken shots as the poor thing tried

to figure out how he got in this mess!!

As he pulled his wings in, and stared to look pretty alert..I felt better and

I am sure he did to!!  ; }

"What are you look at lady"!!

The Yellow Bellied Sapsucker is a member of the Woodpecker Family,but a

migrating bird for my area, whereas the others are not!!

They nest in hollowed trees and branches as the Woodpecker does!!

I looked up a few facts and came across an article that made me laugh

it started out like this:

The Yellow Bellied Sapsucker's name sounds like an insult that "Yosemite Sam

might sling at Bugs Bunny" although the Y.B.S. moniker aptly describes it's habits and appearances!!

I also read one where it said aside from birders most people thing there is no such bird!!

He has found a way to get out of this mess, and is about ready to make a move!!

And he made it up onto the door frame, and a real pain trying to take a shot on

a slant from inside was a chance shot, but not bad!

He rested a bit on the door frame , and flew to this tree no far away!

The tiny holes you see in this tree are made by this fella...

this is the main way they get there source of food by drilling a series

of small holes deep into the trees ( mostly aspen and birch ) that fill with sap!!

They also will eat insects and fruit!

I am glad I took the opportunity to read about this fella that I have had

here on my property area many summers.....I  found out some interesting facts that made me understand some things: See the not so great photo above..well it the fella getting ready to bang away on that metal roof on the birdhouse, I  thought it was to get the insects under there .. I now know why he does that !!

The are very territorial ,and use many metal items such as mailboxes

(neighbors really live that one.. lol ) and as the roof above to sound out the amplifying drumming that to me sounds like a jackhammer on metal ....to mark there area!!

I imagine whacking his bill on metal day after day made his thump into the window a not so bad an experience after all ; } !!