The Remarkable Sapsuckers at Rasar State Park

 The Remarkable Sapsuckers at Rasar State Park

While exploring Rasar State Park in Washington, I had the chance to photograph a stunning sapsucker diligently tending to her nest. 

Every few minutes, the mother sapsucker would return to the nest, gliding swiftly through the trees with practiced precision. She would align herself with great skill as she approached the entrance.

With confidence, she entered headfirst, revealing a beak overflowing with wriggling insects. 

Within the nest, the hungry chicks chirp excitedly, their beaks wide open in eager anticipation of the next meal. One by one, she distributed the food, ensuring that each chick received nourishment.

Then, with swift precision, she pushed forward out of the nest hole, stopping momentarily to scan the surroundings, and launched into the air once more, repeating the process tirelessly throughout the day.

Sometimes returning to just check the nest, she paused momentarily, clinging to the rough bark and scanning the area for any lurking predators.

The Art of Tree Tapping

Sapsuckers are best known for the patterned rows of holes they drill into trees. These sap wells provide them with nourishment while also attracting insects, which they readily consume. Over time, trees marked by sapsuckers develop a signature dotted pattern, revealing the presence of these skilled foragers.

A Perfectly Round Home

Nest-building is another impressive feat. Instead of assembling twigs and grass, sapsuckers excavate nest cavities within dead or dying trees. Their entrance holes are perfectly round, showcasing their precise work. Inside, the cavity serves as a haven for their chicks, protecting them from predators and the elements.

Growing Up in the Forest

The chicks stay in the nest for approximately 25 to 30 days, during which both parents dedicate themselves to providing food with relentless effort. As they grow, they develop strong wings and learn essential survival skills. When the time comes, they leave the nest, ready to begin their journey in the forest, practicing the sap-extraction techniques their parents taught them.

Sapsuckers and the Ecosystem

These birds play an essential role in their habitat. Their sap wells attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and even bats, offering a shared food source for other species. Their nesting cavities also become homes for different birds, such as chickadees and swallows, long after the sapsuckers have moved on.

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™ -Chris LeBoutillier