I put my blogging hobby in jeopardy tonight. Linda and I checked out a German Christmas Market (Christkindlmarket) in downtown Chicago or as I like to refer to it as – Ron’s neighborhood (cue comment ha). Really nice German/European themed market full of cultural foods and gifts. We took a special liking to the cider and hot chocolate in souvenir mugs and an amazing amount of really cool glass ornaments. Show me a colorful glass bird ornament and I switch into “here, take my money” mode. Problem was it was an OUTSIDE market. Start with the windy city’s namesake, add in a heaping amount of plunging temperatures gives you some mighty bitter conditions. Somehow made it back to the hotel without my fingers falling off – still tingle while I type. In an attempt to bring them back to room temperature, thought I would feature a bird found in much warmer conditions.
Actually this post features specimens found in multiple locations over multiple years and in different months of the year (yes, all warmer than the tundra conditions we experienced tonight). This featured bird is a member of the Sapsucker species. It is pretty easy to tell the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is a member of the Woodpecker family. Long, powerful bill, well clawed to support hanging on the sides of trees/branches and adorned in the common colors of black, white and red.
Hit the jump to read some more about Mr. Sappy Sucker!
