Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Red-breasted Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus ruber
Date:	12-12-2010 - 01-05-2011
Time:	various
Length of time observed:	various
Number:	1
Age:	adult
Sex:
Location:	Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Zion National Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	~ 10 m
Optical equipment:	8 x 42 binoculars
Weather:	various
Light Conditions:	various
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Red-breasted Sapsucker observed feeding on sapwells on elms, ash, and boxelder trees in the parking lot island of the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Usually present on elm tree sapwells. Actively defended sapwells from Red-naped Sapsuckers, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, and Audubon s Warblers. Second Utah observation of ruber subspecies (first with Jon Dunn and others at Lytle Ranch, September 30, 2007). Also observed December 20 and 23, 2010. Last observed January 5, 2011. Description: Head and upper breast a deep uniform rosy red. Face with black eye, black feathering around eye and white (preocular) stripe extending from top of bill to below eye, small white spot immediately above and behind eye. Yellow underparts, brightest at middle chest, gradually fading towards undertail coverts. Sides and flanks with indistinct black barring. Black back with limited buffy yellow spotting in two distinct rows down center of back. Black wings with prominent white patch and small white spots on primaries. Tail predominantly black with white spotting. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	typical sapsucker whines and calls
Behavior:	feeding on sapwells on elms, ash, and boxelder trees - Usually present on elm tree sapwells. Actively defended sapwells from Red-naped Sapsuckers, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, and Audubon s Warblers.
Habitat:	old orchard area now within the parking area of the Zion Visitor's Center, adjacent to North Fork of Virgin River.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:
Previous experience with this & similar species:	yes
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	rfridell@redrock.net
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	09-25-2011
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments:	Decription copied from field notes