Had the joy of watching the antics of a male and female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker interacting on the pine tree trunk right off my deck today. Watched closely for about a half hour. Clearly distinguished male from female beyond the obvious lack of "chin" red on the female. It is very difficult to define the differences but they are unique and obvious with continuous observation and comparison. I can see why birding guide books only lean on the obvious and definable markings. This continues my understanding of why bird watching is a process and the skill to identify individual species as well a sexual dimorphism within a species must come with practice and patience and more-so the simply passion and joy one can feel just by the honor of participating in a bird's life if only as an observer. I felt very intimate with the sapsuckers as I viewed through my 10x50 binoculars (one of my better investments) and got to see the sensitivity and connectedness and even tenderness birds can have. So much to learn and so much time to do so.
Ain't life sweet? Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
