Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2016-48a


Common name:

Rusty Blackbird

Scientific name: Euphagus carolinas
Date: 12/12/2016
Time: 2:45 PM
Length of time observed:  ~15 minutes
Number: 1
Age:  Unknown
Sex: Female
Location: Buffalo Ranches Trail/Haight Creek
County:  
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4209'
Distance to bird: 65 yards
Optical equipment: Pentax 10x50 binos & Canon sx50 hs camera
Weather: Clear
Light Conditions: Sunny
Description:        Size of bird: ~8.5"
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Blackbird?
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Dark, brown & black
(Description:)            Bill Type: Medium, pointed
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Blackbird with yellow eye, light brown eyebrows, "rusty" crown, back, and scapulars.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: Audio wil be sent to webmaster of soft song being sung from a tree. Call was a "chock", not the "tink" or "chick" of a RWBL.
Behavior: Perched on fence, singing in tree, foraging in flooded fields
Habitat: Marsh edge, flooded pasture
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
The yellow Iris eliminates YHBL & RWBL. The rusty crown, wings, and back eliminates any other possibilities.
 
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Previously observed in IL, AK, & UT
References consulted: Memory.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Mike Hearell
Observer's address: 255 W 2700 N, Pleasant View
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Bryant Olsen, Vivian S, Lauri T, Taylor Abbott
Date prepared: 12/12/2016
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: