Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	White-eyed Vireo
Scientific name:	Vireo griseus
Date:	31 Jul 1999
Time:	11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Length of time observed:	5 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Not known
Location:	Calf Creek Recreation Area east of Escalante, Utah
County:	Garfield
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	30'
Optical equipment:	10 x 40 power Leitz binoculars
Weather:	Sunny with scattered clouds
Light Conditions:	Good
Detailed description of bird:	Bird appeared to be in somewhat worn plumage but I observed clearly the definitive field mark for this species, i.e. black center of eye surrounded by white and very distinguishable yellow lores. Heavier bill than a warbler, methodical movements. I don't recall distinct wing bars as I made the id by looking at the head. Being from East Texas this species is an "every day" bird.
Song or call & method of delivery:	I "pished" the bird out and he responded immediately. He was in a Gambel's Oak on the right side of the trail heading toward the falls but before you get into the lusher part of the canyon.
Behavior:	The bird responded to my pish, seemed somewhat interested in me and stayed in the same tree the whole time I was observing him. I never saw him fly. I preceeded up the trail but did not look for the bird on the way back. I didn't (but should have!) made the connection that this was a rare species for where I was observing it. McIvor's book emphasized thsi to me.
Habitat:
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	None of the other vireo species that I observed in the immediate area have the white eye or yellow lores. I observed Plumbeous and Warbling Vireo in Calf Creek and Gray Vireo later in Capitol Reef NP.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Lots! This species is one of the most common woodland birds in the Eastern half of Texas, it usually always responds to pishing if one is around. I usually mark them off by call and go on. the bird in Calf Creek never made sound.
References consulted:	NGS Field Guide and the new All the Birds on the US guide.
Description from:	Notes made later and from memory
Observer:	Rhandy J. Helton
Observer's address:	Route 7 Box 11-2, Jasper, Texas 75951
Observer's e-mail address:
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None
Date prepared:	10 Aug 1999 (didn't arrive back in Tx. until late 8/7/99)
Additional material:	Original Documents
Comments:	Sorry, no photo. My camera would not have been good enough anyway!