Since observing this bird doing this and later seeing it revisit and
apparently 'inspect' these same areas for tidbits of food - I tend to
think that perhaps the sapsucker is creating an inviting place of false

security for insects. Whose eggs, larva or bodies it might later come
upon and perhaps 'harvest' as food.
So perhaps the damage they apparently cause may be balanced
somehow by
them eating potentially even more 'damaging' parasitic insects? Do
keep
in mind however that I'm not an expert on this and this is just a
rather
'lay' opinion.
Perhaps now someone else will comment about their experiences?
Good luck!
- Wes/MO

Good observation, Wes.
Yes, sapsuckers will drill a small hole called a "well" in the bark.
The well fills up with sap, which attracts insects. Then the bird
returns and licks up sap and insects. Very clever!! Helathy plants
can withstand sapsucker wells.

Emilie
Nor Cal