Re: [cobirds] Unknown Woodpecker, Montrose Colorado, Dec 04 25

Chris, the only thing I noted in addition to what's seen in the images, is that to the eye, the bird appeared true black.  Snow on the ground will push the shadows/darks with many phone cameras.  I've done this walk hundreds of times, never seeing any birds beyond the norm, to include Flickers nearly every day.  I guess I have reason to carry an actual camera now.

On Friday, December 5, 2025 at 4:39:53 PM UTC-7 Chris H wrote:

This middle pic appears to show some barring on the flanks.  Ron, were you able to note plumage characteristics via direct visual contact? If so, did you note barring? 

I'm asking verification on that detail because the other 2 pics slightly differ. 

Thanks, this has been a fun little exercise!

Chris Hobbs

chob...@gmail.com 

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From: cob...@googlegroups.com <cob...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ron W <ourwil...@gmail.com>

Sent: Friday, December 5, 2025 3:48:46 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cob...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Unknown Woodpecker, Montrose Colorado, Dec 04 25

 

Reasons Lewis's isn't a good fit for this bird:

Observed behavior.  They are usually observed high in trees rather than foraging near the base. 
In full light, I think I would have seen green on its back.  This bird appeared black to the eye.  In my experience, Lewis's can look black, but not in full sun.
The bird in question had a shorter tail.  

340 younger Lewis's photos:

https://media.ebird.org/catalog?birdOnly=true&taxonCode=lewwoo&mediaType=photo&sort=rating_rank_desc&age=juvenile,immature

On Friday, December 5, 2025 at 2:28:02 PM UTC-7 Paula Hansley wrote:

I think that immature Lewis 's Woodpecker is a very good possibility.  The size and proportions don't look right for a Williamson's Sapsucker.

Paula Hansley

Louisville 

On Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 2:10 PM Mars Atchison <marsatc...@gmail.com> wrote:

I don't necessarily think it is one, but is there a reason no one is considering an odd looking juvenile Lewis's? 

On Fri, Dec 5, 2025, 1:45 PM Caoimhín Perkins <ksper...@gmail.com> wrote:

It's little hard to tell but these do look more like spots than in the other photos. I do not see any red personally but taking another look at this photo is interesting.

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