Eating Snow

I'm happy to report that last night's promised snow actually arrived.  First time all winter that's happened.  Not sure it was enough to justify canceling school but there you go.  This female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in the same location as the previous male.  She was also very much enjoying the snow.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

I found this little beauty on the tree in front of my parking space.  He kindly hung around while I went inside for my camera and tolerated me creeping up for a photo.  He had a number of holes around the tree, in addition to these 6, and moved around them pretty regularly.  I hope he hangs around for a while. 

Something To Do On The Couch

Sapsucker Drama

As the sun started to set on Sunday I found these Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers chasing each other around this tree.  The male seemed determined to get her attention and she seemed determined to be left alone to peck the tree.  He tried coming at her from below, from the side, and from above.  It was pretty funny to watch him siddle down the tree.  He flew in and out a number of times while she just kept working away.  At one point the male seemed to be chased away by this male Red-bellied Woodpecker.  I don't know what he was up to.  The female ignored him too and after sampling a few spots on the tree the Red-bellied flew away and the Sapsucker returned.  As of March I had never seen a sapsucker before.  I was pretty excited to see the one my dad found in Virginia.  I have to admit I was pretty amazed not to just see these two love birds but dozens of sapsuckers.  How have I missed them up till now??

Manassas National Battlefied Park

My dad and I took an unseasonably warm walk around the stone bridge trail at Manassas National Battlefield Park this morning.  The mile long trail passes through at least four different types of terrain.  It was a beautiful walk.  Near the vernal pools (boardwalk photo) the frogs were making an incredible amount of noise.  We could hear but not see the frogs and though they were hard to hear over the frogs we did see a number of birds in that area.  Most excitingly for me my dad found a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on a tree right in front of us.  You can see in the fourth photo how well camouflaged he was against the tree bark.