Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2010-03
| Common name: |
McCown's Longspur |
| Scientific name: | Calcarius mccownii |
| Date: | 01/17/2010 |
| Time: | 1:00 PM |
| Length of time observed: | fifteen minutes |
| Number: | one |
| Age: | ? |
| Sex: | male |
| Location: | Bear River MBR |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 100 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski 10x42 binoculars |
| Weather: | slight fog |
| Light Conditions: | fairly bright |
| Description: Size of bird: | small |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | sparrow |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | grayish with a little brown |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | small stout similar to house finch |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
[from photo] I am not sure if this bird is transitioning from or to alternate
plumage. The crown and breast patch are black. The sides are grayish and and
very lightly streaked with black. Best to see the photo. I wish it were better, but I think it shows all of the field marks. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | feeding in field and was hidden in snow most of the time |
| Habitat: | open snow covered field |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
See the photo. The black cap and large black breast patch are descriptive. As is the grayish coloration on the sides and white under tail. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen one other at Corrine a couple of years ago. |
| References consulted: | Peterson A Field Guide to Western Birds, and Big Sibley. Peterson is better on this bird |
| Description from: | |
| Observer: | Jack Binch |
| Observer's address: | 1564 Crest Circle - Sandy, Utah - 84093 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | roostertael@aol.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | none yet |
| Date prepared: | Jan. 17, 2010 |
| Additional material: | Photo |
| Additional_Comments: | In the description field you should have From Photo |