Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2008-04
| Common name: |
Lawrence's Goldfinch |
| Scientific name: | Carduelis lawrencei |
| Date: | March 03 - 15+, 2008 |
| Time: | regularly visiting a feeder |
| Length of time observed: | several long viewings through 3/14 (at least) |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | male |
| Location: | Hamblin Drive, Santa Clara |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 19 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 2 meters |
| Optical equipment: | Leica 8 x 42 Ultravids |
| Weather: | variable on multiple days, mostly clear |
| Light Conditions: | variable |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Grayish blue overall (back, nape,cheeks, sides, and belly) with distinct black
patch across face, forehead, and down throat. Bill pale gray. Bold distinct
circular yellow patch on center of breast. Wings with black primaries,
secondaries, and tertials(black secondaries and tertials edged in white) and
yellow at the base of secondaries and coverts. White undetail coverts. Tail
(underside) with white center with black outer edges, and black tip, upperside
black with white edging. Legs gray and eye black. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | visiting a thistle seed (niger) feeder |
| Habitat: | rural town |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Present with both American and Lesser Goldfinches of both sexes; separated by black throat and gray back. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Limited but I've seen them a few times(~12) previously in Arizona, California, and Utah. Extensive experience with other N.A. goldfinch species. |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Notes made later |
| Observer: | Rick Fridell |
| Observer's address: | rfridell@redrock.net |
| Observer's e-mail address: | rfridell@redrock.net |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | R.J. and Karen Hughes first observed the birds visiting their feeders. |
| Date prepared: | 03-15-08 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional Comments: | Found by homeowners (R.J. and Karen Hughes) visiting their feeders on 3298 Hamblin Drive, Santa Clara. |