I am unclear whether this definitively supports or refutes Nick's theory of a possible Gilded Flicker. The principal pieces of scientific evidence in support of Gilded would be:
1) I've always maintained that if I ever had the good fortune to see a first state record, I would surely mis-ID the bird; and
2) I once said to Nick with no evidence whatsoever (though he wouldn't remember this) that I figured there had been Gilded Flickers seen in Colorado, just not properly identified.
John Shenot
Fort Collins, CO