Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2013-10
| Common name: |
Common Redpoll |
| Scientific name: | Acanthis flammea |
| Date: | 13 Jan 2013 |
| Time: | 3:40 |
| Length of time observed: | ~15 min |
| Number: | 10 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Both |
| Location: | Bear River Bottoms WMA, Trenton |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | Down to ~15 feet |
| Optical equipment: |
Nikon Monarch 10x42 binoculars and Nikon D90 with 80-400mm lens WEATHER: Sunny and cold, about -4 degrees F. |
| Weather: | |
| Light Conditions: | Bright direct sunlight. |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Easily identified as redpolls by the generally whitish base color, brownish
streaking, black on the face around the bill, distinct whitish wing bars, yellow
bill, and red on the top of the head. At least one was an adult male as
indicated by the extensive pink wash on the chest. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | “Chet-chet-chet” calls heard from the flock. |
| Behavior: | Perched in a Russian Olive tree and feeding in weeds (teasel?). |
| Habitat: | River bottom through agricultural area |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The only potential confusion species is Hoary Redpoll. We checked carefully for any candidate Hoary Redpolls by looking for paler birds, but none had thin enough streaking in the sides, pale enough rumps, pale enough undertail coverts, or were otherwise suspicious of being Hoary Redpolls. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen both Redpoll species on multiple occasions. I've seen Hoary Redpoll while working as a birding guide in Alaska. I've seen Common Redpolls on that job, while traveling in Minnesota, and on several occasions in Utah (e.g., see records 2008-05, 2012-45, and 2013-03). |
| References consulted: | None |
| Description from: | Photos taken at the time of sighting |
| Observer: | Ryan O’Donnell |
| Observer's address: | 1098 Crescent Dr., Logan |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 14 Jan 2013 and 15 Jan 2013 (lost by website and resubmitted) |
| Additional material: | Photographs already sent |
| Additional_Comments: |