possible Red-breasted Sapsucker Patagonia Lake, Santa Cruz County

This sapsucker originally found by Barb Byron &  Susan Allerton  at Patagonia Lake State Park and photographed by Dick Dionne has generated quite a bit of interest, several folks have commented on this individual and opinions are divided on whether it is a pure Red-breasted or a hybrid.

Image captured at: Patagonia Lake State Park, Feb. 13, 2007,
by Dick Dionne - Green Valley

References: SPECIATION IN SAPSUCKERS (SPHYRAPICUS): AND MATE II. SYMPATRY, HYBRIDIZATION, IN S. RUBER DAGGETTI PREFERENCE AND S. NUCHALIS
NED K. JOHNSON AND CARLA BOWMAN JOHNSON