One bit of weirdness that I have noticed in my area is that there is no evidence of yellow bellied sapsuckers. No tell tale, perfectly spaced holes in tree trunks, no quiet keer calls, no nothing. They aren’t an uncommon bird here either, but are a common winter resident.

At my previous home there were holes all over the trees and I frequently saw this species. These days I only live about 30 miles away so think I should see some. The local  habitat is perfect – plenty of open deciduous and pine woodlands along with second growth forests, oaks, persimmon, dogwood, sourwood, the usual suspects in a southern forest.  I am going to have to keep an eye out for evidence of their presence. Learn more about yellow bellied sapsuckers at Cornell’s All About Birds.

The photo is from the St. Lucie Audubon Society – give them a visit. They also have bird calls on a short video!