Red-naped Sapsucker in Abbotsford

[Deleted]

I glanced out the kitchen window this morning and thought, the downy is back again, then realized it was a Red-naped Sapsucker in the cherry tree in my back yard. I ran for my camera and was just focussing on it when it flew. Fortunately it landed briefly in a fir tree next door, where I got a couple of record shots through the window. By the time I got out the back door with my camera, she (the photos show a female) was gone.

Nice yard bird, and though I hadn't had a new yard species since a Yellow Warbler in 2010, one of the Eurasian Collared-Doves I've been seeing occasionally around this area finally showed up right across the street last Friday, so I've had two new yard species in 4 days!

This makes 96 yard species for our regular suburban yard on a regular residential street, in the 25 years we've lived here. Maybe I'll make 100 yet!!

I have a very wide definition for my yard list. I count any species seen "in, over, or from" my yard. So as long as I'm in my house or yard when I see it, I count it. For example, on Jan 27, 1996, I was scoping a flying Bald Eagle through the bedroom window when a soaring Rough-legged Hawk circled into my field of view, way off to the southwest, probably over the Abbotsford Airport. I counted it.

Stan Olson
Abbotsford

[josterhold]

That is exactly how I count my yard.
You have had some good birds in your yard.
The Lesser Goldfinch comes to mind.

[Randy]

Great sighting Stan! I count my yard the same. There's a few I've heard but haven't seen yet so I haven't counted them. These include marsh wren and yellow warbler. Hopefully soon enough!

[Randy]

On a side note, I'm actually interested in seeing some others' yard lists if anyone is interested in posting them.

[Gord]

Stan, excellent yard bird! Nicely done. Congrats on the new bird.

I, also, count my yard as above although to date pretty much everything has passed almost right over the house.

Randy, great idea! Ill start a post in the general discussion section so we can compare and enjoy each others' lists.