Woodpecker? Sapsucker? Flicker? Lake Tahoe NV USA (1 Viewer)

[Birds4Kathy]

Today (2/4/21) I saw a bird in the pine trees at Sand Harbor State Park on the east side of Lake Tahoe. He has a brown head making me think it is a juvenile but I can't seem to find a woodpecker/sapsucker/flicker reported in this area that fits what this bird looks like. I was particularly surprised to see the yellow belly that can be seen in a very blurry photo I have included. Can someone help me identify this bird? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Kathy

 

[rkj]

Take a look at juvenile Williamson's Sapsucker.

 

[Birds4Kathy]

I went to ibird and searched WIlliamson's Sapsucker. The female has black and white bars a brown head and yellow belly. I think you are on to something!!!!!! Kathy

 

[KC Foggin]

I agree. After going through Google images it looks to be a Williamson's Sapsucker.

 

[Birds4Kathy]

Thanks for the help. This one really had me stumped, in part because I have never seen either a male or female Williamson's Sapsucker before. A new lifer! Kathy

 

[KC Foggin]

Congrats on your lifer Kathy!

 

[connorco]

Definitely a Williamson's. They can be surprisingly difficult to find at some times. Nice Bird!