Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-01
| Common name: |
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker |
| Scientific name: | Sphyrapicus varius |
| Date: | 1/1/2018 |
| Time: | 1:00 PM |
| Length of time observed: | 30 Minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Payson City Cemetery |
| County: | Utah |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 5,500 estimate |
| Distance to bird: | 15 feet from tree, 20 feet up |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 Swaros, Vortex Razor Scope, Canon 400 MM zoom |
| Weather: | Partly Cloudy, 40-45 Degrees |
| Light Conditions: | Mid Day |
| Description: Size of bird: | 7-8 Inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Woodpecker |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Molted Black, White and Brown on back on top of head. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Woodpecker |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Please see photos,
juvenile with white stripe on wing and molting plumage. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: |
None observed |
| Behavior: | Not bothered by small number of birders, feeding on sap. |
| Habitat: | In cemetery on Ash tree. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Viewed for 30+ mins with a group of experienced birders, as we tried to determine if it was a yellow bellied or a red-naped sapsucker. Originally this was submitted in ebird as a juvenile red naped sapsucker based on time of year, and location though we thought it might be a yellow-bellied sapsucker due to late retention of immature plumage. After viewing the pictures in high resolution and receiving some additional feedback from ebird reviewers (Bryant and Colby), we are changing the submission to a yellow-bellied sapsucker. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
|
| References consulted: | Sibley's Guide, Audubon Guide |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Jesse Lee |
| Observer's address: | 35 E Maple Drive Woodland Hills Utah |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Spotted by Jonah Lee, observed by Dennis Shirley, Suzi Holt, Jake Wasden, Asher
Lee, Alton, and Jeremy. |
| Date prepared: | 1/1/2018 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | Will email photos to Milton Moody. |