Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Red-headed Woodpecker
Scientific name:	Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Date:	June 9th, 2023
Time:	6:34 am
Length of time observed:	20 min
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:
Location:	Salt Lake International Center
County:	Salt Lake
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	10-30 yards
Optical equipment:	Swarovski EL10 X42
Weather:	Warm. Sunny.
Light Conditions:	Early morning light
Description: Size of bird:	AMRO sized bird
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Woodpecker shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Black and white body with red head
(Description:) Bill Type:	long pointy bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Woodpecker with black back, tail and wings. Wings have a large solid white wing patch. White underneath. Red head. See photos. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	I did not observe any song or call.
Behavior:	Very active. Working one tree then fly to another. Seemed to prefer the cottonwood and ash trees. Observed with very large worm.
Habitat:	Industrial area with lawn, man made ponds, and a spattering of trees.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The red head and large white wing patches are distinctive and different than other woodpeckers.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have now seen this woodpecker in 4 states. Most recently in FL this spring.
References consulted:	Sibley app.
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Angie Branch
Observer's address:	3111 E BELL CANYON RD, SANDY
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Beth Cottam and many others.
Date prepared:	6/14/2023
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Original ebird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S140974103