While walking through Explore the Wild I heard the cat-like call of a yellow-bellied sapsucker to my right. A closer look revealed two sapsuckers in a holly tree picking and eating the red berries of the small tree, a good opportunity to get a few photos.
![Two sapsucker hanging from branches and picking berries.](/wp-content/files/2/2016/01/ybsaM340545_s.jpg)
The two sapsuckers went back and forth from the trunk to hanging on branches to harvest the fruit of the holly. Here’s a few shots of the birds, both males.
![Sap, insects, and obviously holly berries are on a sapsucker's menu.](/wp-content/files/2/2016/01/ybsaM340556_s.jpg)
![Barely yellow, the underside is where part of this woodpecker's name is derived.](/wp-content/files/2/2016/01/ybsaM340582_s.jpg)
![A handsome head.](/wp-content/files/2/2016/01/ybsaM340580_scu-e1451761001946.jpg)
![A firm grip on the bark of the tree.](/wp-content/files/2/2016/01/ybsaM340580_s.jpg)
![A close look at the back feathers as they are puffed out by the bird.](/wp-content/files/2/2016/01/ybsaM340578_s.jpg)
Yellow-bellied sapsuckers are one of 7 species of woodpecker likely to be seen here at the Museum. Another, the red-cockaded woodpecker, resides in the state but is more likely to be seen on the coastal plain.
Beautiful photos!
Thanks.