Yellow-bellied/Red-naped Sapsucker ID help and other findings at Chatfield SP (Douglas)

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Thomas Holub

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Feb 20, 2017, 5:30:53 PM2/20/17

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This morning I visited Chatfield SP. I started by driving to Plum Creek, and a Sage Thrasher was seen perched before I turned right to go to Plum Creek. There were lots of active birds, and the whole trip resulted in 34 species including 4 woodpeckers. The Trumpeter Swan seems to have moved from the ponds to the reservoir, as I saw it from the Heronry Overlook, I would assume it to be the same bird.

At plum creek, on the way back heading to the parking lot crossing the bridge, I saw a few Wood Ducks at the marshy pond near the bridge. Soon after, I found a Downy woodpecker in a tree in the same area. Then, I came across a Yellow-bellied/Red-naped Sapsucker near the Downy woodpecker. I don't have much experience with sapsuckers, so I was unsure on the exact ID. I was able to take a number of photos, however low in quality but good enough for help in identification. I have a detailed description of the field marks as well as photos on my eBird report if anyone could help me ID this bird.

It seems most Red-naped Sapsuckers are seen in Aug/Sept in Chatfield/surrounding areas, while many Yellow-bellied are seen in Jan/Feb in the Denver area. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has not been seen in Chatfield before as far as eBird shows. Let me know what you think, I am leaning more towards Yellow-bellied but I am still unsure.