Birds Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker hybrid

[Doug Herr]

Hybrids between the Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) of the Pacific Coast mountains and Alaska, and the Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin are not uncommon, and in the winter my yard seems to be a magnet for these birds. Wintering sapsuckers are known to favor orchards so it's no surprise this bird has claimed the almond tree outside the kitchen window. I've set up a blind (hide) nearby and the bird has become comfortable enough with it that I will be able to observe and photograph this bird often this winter.

31 December 2021
Sacramento County California USA

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (SEL600F40GM)
• 600.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/100 sec
• ISO 400

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Spectacular bird. Lovely shot.