Terrible shot, but the all-black tail, white rump, and black head with white stripes eliminate all but a male Williamson's Sapsucker, even if the stunning look of the bird isn't visible. This bird is fluffed-up a little, exposing some very light, but uncharacteristic mottling on the back. I 1st saw the bird from the side, with the yellow belly and bold facial markings, but never could get anything but a rear shot of the bird. It didn't help that we were still looking for White-headed Woodpecker at this time either!

We had a male and female Williamson's at the area ranger station, after going up the aerial tram to the upper elevations of the San Jacinto Mountians.