ML490038501

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Woah what a surprise! First spotted by Sylvan as we were in a huge flurry of activity. At first glance of this woodpecker, the white secondaries immediately jumped out on an other wise brownish woodpecker of medium size (smaller than Flickers). Bird did not stay perched long initially and flew from mature Russian Olive group on right (north) side of prairie to the large cottonwood directly across prairie to the south. Here the white panel of secondary feathers really stood out, as did the white rump. Was able to get diagnostic photos on that initial flight. We pursued across the prairie to the big cottonwood for better looks/photos. The bird flew quickly around 2-3 perches before setting somewhere up high and hidden. After about 15 mins, we gave up and continued on with survey. After survey we were able to see the RHWO again, and watch as it come over to feed on fruits from the Russian Olive, and flying some back across to the more dense shelter of the Cottonwood. This individual lacked the red head of an adult, but instead of overall a dark brown color on head, and back more blackish with some mottling and paler feather edges. Bright white secondaries with an incomplete black barring across and more complete black subterminal tip to those secondaries. Primaries and retrices more blackish in color, slightly darker than the very dark brown head/mantle. Vocalizations were limited almost exclusively to a low-pitched rattle or clucking. 1st species record for LCWP. Appears to be a 5th bird for county (eBird era). Wondering if this could be same individual as recently found along river at Buckman Road (or from Los Alamos population).

Technical information

Model

NIKON D850

Lens

500.0 mm f/5.6

ISO

320

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/7.1

Shutter speed

1/2000 sec

Dimensions

2169 pixels x 1446 pixels

Original file size

1012.58 KB