Yellow-bellied Sapsucker feeding young.

This young yellow-bellied sapsucker was very vocal during feeding time, which helped me to locate the nest. After waiting at a comfortable distance away from the nest but yet be able to identify the species, both parents came alternately to feed its young. Several minutes passed between each feeding. There was no way of knowing how many young they were feeding, in only one shot did a young one show itself. I visited the area the next day and heard the young calling again for food but after that day it was quiet and I believe they had fledged. This was a unique experience for me and my son.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the Make!

I learned that this woodpecker was seeking a mate. He startled me with his cat-like, high-pitched, very loud caterwauling! He hit the sign just as loudly, unafraid of me. I learned sapsuckers hit signs like this — and the brighter the sign the better — to attract females. I was wearing bright colors that morning as well. His noise making and following me around that morning made for great advertising.