The yard’s first bird of 2014 was a new bird for me. She showed up on New Year’s Day, but I was on my way out the door and didn’t have time to stop for a photo. Fortunately, she returned today…
(I believe this is a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I saw a juvenile sapsucker during my last trip to Alabama, but this is the first adult I’ve ever seen. Please comment if you can confirm or correct my identification!)
I followed her with my lens while she hopped from limb to limb in the pear tree, but I didn’t get a clear photo until something startled her and she paused.
She flew away a few minutes later, when a hungry squirrel climbed onto an adjoining branch.
Despite gloomy skies and an approaching storm, I can’t think of a better way to start a new year in the yard!
Rae Spencer 
Every post is another adventure into nature’s wonders, Rae! Glad I stopped by and caught up a bit! Hope you are well. XO
Agree with Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Other woodpeckers don’t have the vertical white line on their wings, and Yellow-bellied is the only sapsucker in the eastern seaboard. Great find!
Lovely photos, Rae. Happy New Year!
Yes, I think your ID is right. Lovely photos!
Rae, She Looks Exactly Like The Photo Of The Female Yellow- Bellied Sapsucker In My Peterson’s Guide
Thanks! 🙂