Documentation of Red-headed Woodpecker
2022-014

Observer Information

Reporter:  Kat Dunlavey  511 W. 14th Street,   Salida, CO  81201
E-mail:  katd8662@gmail.com
Other Observers:  Chuck Dunlavey

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Red-headed Woodpecker
First Date/Time:  9/12/2022 7:45:00 AM
Last Date/Time:  9/13/2022 7:20:00 AM
Duration (total time in view):  15 minutes
County:  Chaffee
Specific Location:  Salida
Number:  1
Age:  Immature
Sex:  Unknown
Plumage:  Transitional

Habitat

on fence post of former ranchland / disturbed grassland. Nearby are river w/ cottonwoods, homestead with Russian Olive (flew into RO), and slopes with Pinyon Pines.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Binoculars
Distance:  300 feet
Light:  sunny

Description of the Bird

No calls.  Sitting on fence post. darkbrown/black head, heavy dark bill, white breast and belly, white secondaries, dark brown/black wings and back.  When in flight, white was continuous across secondaries and rump.

Similar Species Discussion

All other medium-sized or larger juvenile woodpeckers and sapsuckers that might be in this area - Lewis', flicker, hairy,re-naped, williamson's.  None had the same pattern of markings.

Resources Used

Have seen juvenile red-heads in other locations, merlin app, Sibley guide, all about birds.org

Previous Experience

Have seen these juveniles  and the adults numerous times in the midwest.  Saw red-headed once at RM Arsenal in Denver.  Have birded Chaffee County extensively in last 3.5 years as resident, so I knew this was unusual here and therefore looked at other juvenile woodpecker options first.

Notes

Notes made DURING observation

Materials Available

Photographer: Chuck Dunlavey

Photos |

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Date Documentation Submitted

9/13/2022 11:36:00 AM
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Location Map

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