Is this an, "Intergrade," of a, "Red-shafted," x "Yellow -shafted" Northern Flicker? 2/25/2021

When I went birding on 2/25/2021, on a trail in Pebble Beach, CA on the 17 mile drive, I was able to spot and photograph what I thought was a Northern Flicker.

When I researched it further in my birding book, I think I might have photographed an "Intergrade," of a, "Red-shafted," x "Yellow -shafted" Norther Flicker. Could someone more experienced than me with birding (which is most everyone), help me with this identification. I ask because there is the red whisker AND red nape.

I'm sorry the photos aren't better, but this bird was in heavy shade, and tall grass, and was hopping around on the ground searching for insects. Then it flew off into deep cover, the opposite direction from where I was hiding behind a tree . Thank you.

Posted on February 28, 2021 08:48 PM by kathleenlryan