Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Acorn Woodpecker
Scientific name:	Melanerpes formicivorus
Date:	08/01/2024
Time:	8:50 AM
Length of time observed:	1-2 minutes
Number:	2
Age:	adult
Sex:	unknown
Location:	Kolob Terrace, Zion NP - Lava Point
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37.3888740, -113.039796
Elevation:	7890 ft.
Distance to bird:	about 50 yards
Optical equipment:	10x binoculars
Weather:	mostly clear
Light Conditions:	good light
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Medium sized woodpecker, about the size of a Hairy Woodpecker: Distinct facial appearance, clown-like look, black around base of bill, white face and throat, black head with red crown. Back was black, breast was black, belly and rump were white
Song or call & method of delivery:	Distinctive "whika" call.
Behavior:	Perched in tree, calling,
Habitat:	Mountain/forest, with abundant oak in the area.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The call and appearance are unique and distinctive
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Have seen and photographed dozens
References consulted:	None
Description from:	Memory and eBird notes- About 8:50 AM I heard the Acorn Woodpecker's distinct "whika" call coming from the area of the trailer used by the condor biologists, next to the Ranger Residence. I walked down the service road leading to travel trailer and was able to get a quick visual on 2 birds in a tree behind the trailer before they flew off.
Observer:	Maurice DeMille
Observer's address:	260 N Main Street, La Verkin, UT 84745
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	09/07/2024
Additional material:
Additional comments: