Birders’ Night: Fun with Sapsuckers with Steve Shunk!

Fun with Sapsuckers!

Did you know that sapsuckers have a paintbrush-tipped tongue? Did you know that one species is the world’s longest- distance migrant woodpecker? How about that one sapsucker is named for the daughter of German naturalist Johan Kaup, who first described the Flammulated Owl? These are just a few of the fun facts you will learn from naturalist Steve Shunk when he returns to share stories of our amazing sapsuckers. Of course, Steve will also discuss the perplexing puzzle of sapsucker hybridization, with his best tips for identifying the “chupasavias” of Central Oregon.

Steve Shunk learned about sapsuckers during his 27-year stint living on the east slope of the Cascades. His woodpecker research culminated in the publication of the Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America. In 2024, Steve moved to Mexico’s Pacific Slope to live with Mexican naturalist Lizzy Martinez. They enjoy daily encounters with the endemic Golden-cheeked and Gray- crowned Woodpeckers from their backyard at the Rancho Primavera bird sanctuary.