Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Common redpoll
Scientific name:	Carduelis flammea
Date:	March 28, 2012
Time:	9:20 a.m.
Length of time observed:	10 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	-
Sex:	female
Location:	955 East 1050 South, Spanish Fork, Deck feeder
County:	Utah
Latilong:
Elevation:	4,500 ft.
Distance to bird:	10 ft,
Optical equipment:	None
Weather:	Clear & Sunny
Light Conditions:	very good
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	It was a little finch with a dark, forked tail. It had a small red cap, a dark chin and dark around the beak. It had a streaked back and sides, but the breast was clear (see photo)
Song or call & method of delivery:	I didn't hear it sing or call.
Behavior:	It drank from the birdbath and then flew to the niger seed bag. Its behavior was typical of a finch. It would spend a few seconds on the feeder, fly to a branch and return to the feeder.
Habitat:	Backyard. Aspens with a feeder and a nearby birdbath.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	At first glance I thought it was a Cassin's Finch. Then I saw how small the cap was. I also noticed that the breast was clear except for streaks on the sides. That sent me to a field guide to check on Redpolls.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	No other experience with Common Redpolls. I often have House Finches at my feeder. Cassin's Finches come by in the Spring.
References consulted:	"Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds"
Description from:	Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer:	Kathleen J. Blanchard
Observer's address:	955 E. 1050 South, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Observer's e-mail address:	jbede58@yahoo.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None
Date prepared:	April 17, 2012
Additional material:	Photo
Additional_Comments: