This year we're focusing on our land here in Oakland, CA, as part of the "back to the land" theme for 2021. Keep in mind that by "land" I mean our oddly-shaped, residential plot in the East Bay Hills, not some 20-acre spread in a rural area! I'm determined to enjoy all that the plot of land has to offer, including its place in a "wildlife corridor" of residential property, and a source of material for interesting projects.
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| Red-bellied sapsucker in a spot of sun |
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| Tending its drill holes upside down |
Recently I've enjoyed observing a red-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) outside my home office window. The sapsucker set up its operation in a Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) tree, which provides a leafy screen on the property line that we share with our neighbor, and lovely shade for the small courtyard outside our home offices. Its method is to drill holes in the Pittosporum bark, and then feed on the sap and any insects that are attracted to the sap. The drill holes are very neat and systematic, and range from small round holes to larger rectangular ones. The sapsucker seems to tend the grid of holes and feed for a full 8-10 hour work day, rain or shine.
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| Bits of drying sap in the larger drill holes |
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| Small drill holes |
I've seen little brown birds (LBBs) come around to feed at the drill holes, before and after its "shift", but so far it's been too dark to photograph them. These pictures were taken through a window, which is subject to reflections and a layer of moisture or dust from the elements, so they are not ideal. But the red-breasted bird is quite shy, and flies away quickly if I venture into the side yard to take its photo.
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| Beautiful feather markings |
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