This morning 05 October I visited the trail behind Cub Run Rec Center
in western Fairfax County. Besides common summer residents, I found a
juvenile YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (my FOS) and also a juvenile RED-
HEADED WOODPECKER, within 100 feet and 2 minutes of each other.
Both birds were quite different from their adult forms. I had to
study the white wing patches and gray hood on the Red-Headed, and the
white wing stripe and all-around mottling on the Yellow-Bellied, to
make sure of each ID.
No warblers, no other winter species this morning. After noting some
Downys and Flickers, I was unable to find a Hairy, Pileated, or Red-
Bellied. I’m convinced they’re all collaborating to play games with me.
- Steve Johnson
Fairfax, VA
