Greetings All:
Today I searched the area from Holly's place on up to Davis Park and
found the following woodpeckers.
A Red-headed Woodpecker at the typical site near Holly's place - no
doubt a continuing bird.
A Golden-fronted x Red-bellied Woodpecker at about the same location -
no doubt a continuing bird.
A very straightforward male Red-bellied Woodpecker at the southeast
corner of Davis Park - about five blocks away from Holly's place and
possibly close enough to cause some confusion.
I also had two Ladder-backed Woodpeckers and two Northern Flickers in
the area bordered by Nashville to the east, Peoria to the west, 36th
to the north, and 42nd to the south.
I have validated all records of Golden-fronted x Red-bellied
Woodpecker from the immediate vicinity of Holly's place but would like
folk to look very carefully at any potential 'Red-bellied Woodpeckers
seen anywhere reasonably close. Sheri Anderson had a well-described
Red-bellied Woodpecker a bit further afield (I believe it was close to
63rd by Peoria) and it seems there are more interesting woodpeckers
than is normal for this particular Lubbock neighborhood this winter.
Regards; Anthony Hewetson
On Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 5:20 PM Joseph Girgente <joseph92@xxxxxx> wrote:
Hey all,
I'm not sure if this has come up on the listserv yet, but the "red-bellied
woodpecker" down by Holly's house seems to be a golden-fronted x red-bellied
hybrid. Jennifer and I noticed this separately the other day and it brought
forth some discussion. There is certainly enough red in the nape to pass it
off as a simple red-bellied without a close look, but the orange/yellow belly
and forehead are evident. It also sports a mostly unspotted rump and dark
central rectrices. In fact, despite the red on the nape, the bird's overall
plumage is almost consistent with golden-fronted.
Any previous observations of this individual should be adjusted appropriately
with a hybrid or a "slash".
--
Thanks,
Joe Girgente
M.S. Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University 2024
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech 2015
B.S. Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech 2020
