Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Red-breasted Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus ruber
Date:	Nov. 6, 2018
Time:	11:50 AM
Length of time observed:	10 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:
Location:	Royal Oaks Park, St. George, UT
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37.1322 -113.6126
Elevation:	2860'
Distance to bird:	25-50'
Optical equipment:	10x42 binoculars
Weather:	Clear
Light Conditions:	Sunny
Description: Size of bird:	Medium
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Typical Picidae
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Red, white, black
(Description:) Bill Type:	medium length, pointed, thick, woodpecker type
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Sapsucker with red head, throat, and breast, with no black or white on throat or chin. Large white wing patch. Two rows of black and white barring on back. White rump was visible when it flew. Because of the white line below the eye and the amount of red on the head and breast, it appeared to be of the southern, daggetti subspecies. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None heard
Behavior:	Typical sapsucker behavior- clinging to trunks and branches, moving vertically and laterally. It was working the trees for sap and insects. When I approached directly under the tree it was in the bird tended to move to the opposite side of the trunk. It perched on an upper bare branch briefly to survey the area.
Habitat:	Riparian area with mature trees.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The amount of red on the head, nape, chin, throat and breast were consistent with a Red-breasted Sapsucker. The lack of a black border on the throat, and no black on the breast, ruled out Red-naped, Yellow-bellied, or a hybrid.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen and photographed this species in California- In Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties.
References consulted:	Sibley
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Maurice DeMille
Observer's address:	La Verkin, Utah
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld were the first to find and identify this bird, earlier in the morning on Tues, Nov. 6, 2018.
Date prepared:	Nov 10, 2018
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	*PLEASE NOTE: I did not have a camera with me when I viewed this bird; the photos I am sending to Milt were taken with my cell phone. When the photos were cropped the images became very poor; however, the important field marks are identifiable.