Documentation of Northern Flicker
2008-157

Observer Information

Reporter:  Terry Wintory   
E-mail: 
Other Observers:  Shelley Wintory; I am the original sighter and my wife is the other observer.

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Northern Flicker
First Date/Time:  3/15/2008
Last Date/Time: 
Duration (total time in view):  15 min
County:  Adams
Specific Location:  2030 E 101st Ct. Back yard of residence in Thornton.
Number:  2
Age:  Unknown
Sex:  Multiple Birds - Mixed
Plumage:  Other/Unknown

Habitat

Feeding at my feeders and on the ground. Sitting on my deck and surrounding fencing.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Binoculars and camera with telephoto lens.
Distance:  15 feet to edge of deck.
Light:  Morning sunlight on 03/15/08 but frequently seen at all times of day.

Description of the Bird

I believe this is a hybrid of the Red Shafted/Western and the Yellow Shafted/Eastern species. It has sharp, well-defined features of both. Two males and two females are seen frequently in my yard in Thornton. Only the males are included in the siting because of the red identifying markings.
Behaviors: Sitting on my feeders and fencing as well as ground foraging. One of the four frequently sleeps under the cover of my front porch.
Call: none heard
Plumage: Red malar & red crescent on nape.

Similar Species Discussion

I used the Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America to identify the two species of Flicker and could not find reference to a hybrid.

Resources Used

I contacted a local author on birding (whose name I no longer recall) and she said it was likely a hybrid.

Previous Experience

For whatever reason, this is the only subspecies of Flicker that inhabits my yard.

Notes

Notes made DURING observation

Additional Information

Comments: Photos are submitted.
Time: 8 am
Elevation: approx 5400
Other Dates: Nearly every day for the last 6 months
Nearest Town: Thornton
Independent Observers: I am the original sighter and my wife is the other observer.

Materials Available





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Date Documentation Submitted

4/28/2008 5:41:00 AM