Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific name:	Sphyrapicus varius
Date:	09-27-2023
Time:	9:00-10:00 AM
Length of time observed:	25 minutes
Number:	2
Age:	adults
Sex:	male and female
Location:	Lytle ranch
County:	Washington
Latilong:	Unknown
Elevation:	Unknown
Distance to bird:	10-30 Meters
Optical equipment:	Canon12X32 IS
Weather:	Clear
Light Conditions:	Excellent
Description: Size of bird:	8-9 inches
(Description:) Basic Shape:	woodpecker
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	similar to red-named sapsucker--see details below
(Description:) Bill Type:	straight, pointed strong bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Essential the same as the red-naped, except for the differences noted below.
Song or call & method of delivery:	Ipad using sibley app with a small amplifier.
Behavior:	In middle portions of tall trees pecking for insects (ants)
Habitat:	Tall Cottonwoods
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	separated from red-naped by 1. responding only to yellow-bellied calls and not responding to red-naped calls. 2. female yellow-bellied lacked any red on throat! 3. compared with red-naped more yellow on breast, lighter sounding drumming,
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Numerous observations of red-naped
References consulted:	3 field guides--Sibley, Peterson and National Geographic
Description from:
Observer:	Dennis D. Austin
Observer's address:	43 S 700 E. Hyrum, Utah. 84319
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	none
Date prepared:	12-01-2023
Additional material:
Additional comments:	Please refer to my description on e-bird. I was certain about this identification. Listed as occasional on Lytle ranch. In 2018 I observed a similar pair in the same exact location, but did not report that observation.