Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers returned to our area today with numerous sightings posted at several locations.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker makes two kinds of holes in trees to harvest sap. Round holes extend deep in the tree and are not enlarged. The sapsucker inserts its bill into the hole to probe for sap. Rectangular holes are shallower, and must be maintained continually for the sap to flow. The sapsucker licks the sap from these holes, and eats the cambium of the tree too.
Cornell All About Birds
New holes usually are made in a line with old holes, or in a new line above the old.
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