Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2010-01
| Common name: |
Eastern Phoebe |
| Scientific name: | Sayornis phoebe |
| Date: | 11/18/2009 |
| Time: | 10:45 am |
| Length of time observed: | 5 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Quail Creek Reservoir |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 25 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Bushnell binoculars zoom variety |
| Weather: | breezy, cool, dry |
| Light Conditions: | good |
| Description: Size of bird: | 6 to 8 inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | large headed large chested |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | brown gray upper portions with a distinct yellowish lower breast |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | short small straight |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Brown/grey upper parts with a yellow lower breast and white upper breast. Dark bill and feet. no eye ring and no other distinct markings, facial or wing. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | no song |
| Behavior: | perching on a stripped vertical piece of vegetation about 3 to 4 feet off the ground |
| Habitat: | Dry area just above the muddy portion of the shrinking Resevoir. Was perched on a long thick leaf-less stick amidst other vegetation. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Initially I thought it was another Say's Phoebe, as the initial shape and size seemed to match. However the belly was not buff as a Say's should be but yellowish. It acted like a Say's would, by catching insects on the wing. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
no experience with the Eastern Phoebe, I have however, seen plenty of Say's Phoebes. |
| References consulted: | I utilize four books in the field. The Smithsonian by Ted Floyd, the newer Smithsonian by Alsop, the National Geographic guide by Dunn and Alderfer, and Sibleys newest |
| Description from: | Notes taken at time of sighting |
| Observer: | Nathan Fisher |
| Observer's address: | 10 N 60 E La Verkin, UT 84745 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | speednat@bajabb.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 01/07/2010 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional_Comments: | It has been posted on Ebird.org and accepted. I am very particular about my sightings and stating whether or not I have seen a bird. If I have any doubt, I will not post it. I would rather not say I have when I haven't as I only cheat myself and I mainly do this for my greater eddification |