Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus varius
Date:	02/13/11
Time:	9:55 am
Length of time observed:	3 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Immature
Sex:	Male
Location:	Cox Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37° 5'20.17"N 113°33'50.86"W
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	60 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon D300S 630mm
Weather:	Sunny
Light Conditions:	Good
Description: Size of bird:	Approx 9L
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	A messy black and white barring on back
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	The bird was obviously a Woodpecker but which one. I first considered a Red-naped Sapsucker because range maps indicated that it was most likely, but after doing some research and with the help of birders more expert than myself concluded it was a Yellow-bellied. White stripe running up side. Messy black and whitish barring on back. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:
Habitat:
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	There are several factors that point namely that the molt on A Red-napped would be complete by this time of year whereas a Yellow-bellied doesn't complete its molt until spring. In addition the red thoart of the yellow- bellied is separated from the white by a black border which is missing on red-napped you can see the black border in the attached photo.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	None
References consulted:	Sibley's Guide to Birds, Birds of North America Online
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Norm Jenson
Observer's address:	1564 Blueberry Hl
Observer's e-mail address:	onegoodmove@me.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	02/16/11
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments: