Date: 1/10/26 2:32 pm From: Peter Schneekloth via groups.io <peterschneekloth...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Sedgwick Reserve - Possible ruber subspecies of Red-breasted Sapsucker
I wanted to share some photo's of a suspected ruber subspecies of Red-breasted Sapsucker at Sedgwick reserve this past Wednesday. I have good shots of the back and less so of the head that seem to show reduced back markings (more like spots than bars and variously described as straw, buffy or golden), reduced white in the flight feathers and a bright red head with minimal white malar stripe. In the field the head color really struck me as brighter red.
I shared these photo's with one local highly experienced birder and he was supportive of the ruber ID. Nonetheless any other comments welcomed. Lehman's Birds of SBCo list only 4 prior records for the ruber subspecies so group review and comment certainly warranted.
