Red-naped Sapsucker in the UintasRed-naped Sapsucker in the Uintas – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light

This male Red-naped Sapsucker was photographed last year in the high Uintas, a mountain range that is east of Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Mountains that I can see from where I live. It is a bit of a drive to get there but the Uintas are beautiful and it is often much cooler there than down here in the valley.

When I photographed this Red-naped Sapsucker last year he and his mate had been feeding young in the nesting cavity for a few weeks and both he and his mate’s plumage was beginning to look a bit worn. I had hoped to see young sapsuckers sticking their heads out of the cavity that day but it was not to be. I didn’t get that lucky. I could hear the young but I never saw them. I am going to have to keep trying to get the photographs I would love to have of the young sapsuckers peeking out of nesting cavities. This year the active nesting cavity in this same area wasn’t in a good place to photograph.

I wonder how the young sapsuckers did this year because the area is used for camping and heavily trafficked, the July 4th holiday weekend was probably disruptive for them.  Luckily they don’t have to put up with fireworks up there. Hopefully the young sapsuckers fledged either before or after the holiday weekend when there was less traffic.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-naped Sapsucker photos plus facts and information about this species.