Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus varius
Date:	01/24/2021
Time:	11:09 am
Length of time observed:	2 hours
Number:	1
Age:	juvenile
Sex:	m
Location:	1042 E millbrook Way
County:	Davis
Latilong:	40.876, -111.86
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	25m
Optical equipment:
Weather:	overcast with occasional flurries
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:	medium sized
(Description:) Basic Shape:	typical woodpecker
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	molted brown with red plumage
(Description:) Bill Type:	long and thin
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	First observed in my backyard on 1/21/21. My initial thought was a red-naped sapsucker. I posted pictures to my ebird checklist. After additional viewings on 1/22 and 1/24 as well as consultation with Max and Mike Malmquist, I concluded that it was a juvenile male yellow-bellied sapsucker and not a red-naped sapsucker. Lacked a red patch on back of head. Visible white wing stripe. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	no vocalizations
Behavior:	drilling wells, resting
Habitat:	small cluster of pines behind my house on a wooded canyon
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	downy woodpeckers and northern flickers. Differs by size and colorings determined by long periods of close observation and pictures.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Quick viewing of one in Florida.
References consulted:	eBird, Field Guide to Birds of North America
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Vera E McMurrin
Observer's address:	1042 E Millbrook Way
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Max Malmquist, Mike Malmquist
Date prepared:	1/25/21
Additional material:	Photos Max's eBird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S79837446
Additional comments:	Sorry, I pressed enter in the other box above and accidently submitted before I was through