Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2005-39(R83)
1983 sighting resubmitted in October 2005
Information for this record is taken from
a UFO sight record received 21 Jun 1983.
| Common name: |
Least Bittern |
| Scientific name: | Ixobrychus exilis |
| Date: | 14 May 1983 |
| Time: | 10:20 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 2 seconds |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unk. |
| Location: | Stewart Lake Waterfowl Refuge, Jensen |
| County: | Uintah |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 45 feet |
| Optical equipment: | no chance to use either [optical or photo] |
| Weather: | Windy with light showers. [Prior weather:] cold & unsettled - 3 days |
| Light Conditions: | Overcast, flat light. |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Bird somewhat larger than Virginia Rail. In the two seconds I observed
this bird, two filed marks (aside from the long legs & bittern bill) stood out.
1 - Buffy fore wing patch and 2 - dark back with cream colored throat,
breast & stomach. The bird flew across a 15 foot opening in the reeds, landed on a cattail and lurched into the reeds. The observation was brief but diagnostic. [Marks which were not seen. Why not?] I did not have time to really digest the bird and did not especially notice the black crown patch. [Variations from expected field marks ] None - just other surprise at seeing the bird at all. I was sitting on the hood if my car sorting out swallows. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | silent |
| Behavior: | This bird flew across a small channel in the marsh, perched briefly and disappeared into the reeds. |
| Habitat: | Large Marsh with accompanying vegetation |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The size & markings negate any other heron or Am. Bittern. The long bill eliminates Sora and the size difference & dark back / light front color pattern eliminates Virginia Rail. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen all the bitterns & herons. I have seen clapper, Virginia & Soras. This is my first Least Bittern |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Notes made at time of sighting |
| Observer: | Mark T. Bromley |
| Observer's address: | 1480 N. Jordan Ave., Provo, UT 84504 Phone: 801-375-156? |
| Observer's e-mail address: | |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 18 May 1983 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |