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: