Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Common Redpoll
Scientific name:	Cardeulis flammea [Acanthis flammea]
Date:	12 Nov 2012
Time:	10:34
Length of time observed:	4 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	unknown
Sex:	unknown (not adult male)
Location:	Logan
County:	Cache
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	15 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon Monarch 10x42 binoculars, Nikon D90 with 80-400mm lens
Weather:
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Easily identified as a redpoll by the whitish base color to the plumage, yellowish bill, black around the bill, and small red cap on top of the head. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Feeding at the thistle feeder in my yard. Bird fed at the feeder for a couple minutes, long enough for me to identify it with binoculars, get my camera from the other room, and take two photos through the window, before it left. I watched the feeder for the rest of the day and it did not return.
Habitat:	Residential area.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Most difficult species to eliminate is Hoary Redpoll, but this bird was not pale enough, with thick and distinct streaking on the flanks, and the bill was not "pushed in." Photographs may not be sufficient to eliminate Hoary Redpoll but I can confirm from my observation in life that the bird was not pale enough or short-billed enough to be a Hoary Redpoll.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen this species on many occasions, and Hoary Redpoll on several occasions while working as a guide in Alaska.
References consulted:	None.
Description from:	Photos taken at time of sighting
Observer:	Ryan O'Donnell
Observer's address:	1098 Crescent Dr, Logan, UT 84341
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Stephanie Cobbold
Date prepared:	29 Jan 2013
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments: