| Common Name | Gila Woodpecker |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melanerpes uropygialis |
| Type of Report | Rare Species |
| Date of Observation | 04/13/2023 |
| Number Observed | 1 male |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Scot Borofsky |
| Mailing Address | 127 Main Street Apt 4A Brattleboro, Vermont 05301 United States Map It |
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| Date Completed | 05/08/2023 |
| Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers | Jiyl Barrows |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 0 |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 0 |
| Place Name | Dummerston Boat Landing |
| Township | Putney |
| County | Windham |
| Time of Day | 04:30 PM |
| Length of Time Observed | 5 minutes |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 30 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 20 |
| Noteworthy Weather Conditions | Warm and sunny |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | Small binoculars |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | I’m familiar with and have seen all of the local woodpeckers and the northern flicker. I have lived most of my life in this area since 1957. I did not get a photo but it was a clear sighting with a long time to really study the bird and make a clear observation of the characteristic small red “monk’s cap” on the sandy light brown grey head. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | A parking area and boat landing on the western bank of the Connecticut River in Putney Vermont. |
| Behaviors Observed | Sitting and singing |
| Description of Vocalizations | At this point I don’t remember |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | The bird landed in a tree near us which was about 25 feet from the river. It was big enough to really be noticeable. I got out the binoculars immediately and got a long incredulous look at him. |
| Relative Size & Shape | A lot like the northern flicker but the red was directly on top of the head. |
| Head | Grey-tan with reddish monk’s cap directly on top. Similar to a northern flicker in other aspects. |
| Feet & Bill | Black beak |
| Upper Back | Below the tan, something like a northern flicker, black and white stripes |
| Lower Back & Rump | Black and white striped |
| Wings | Black and white striped |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | Light tan |
| Tail | Black and white striped |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Local woodpeckers, sapsuckers and Northern flicker. Morning dove and other similar sized birds |
| Other Notes & Comments | The main thing that was visually confirmed for a number of minutes, repeatedly and by two people, was the red “monk’s cap”, perfectly situated above the eyes exactly on the top of his head. |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Written from Memory |
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