Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2017-21


Common name:

Least Bittern

Scientific name: Ixobrychus exilis
Date: 05/10/2015
Time: 10:00
Length of time observed: 5 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Unknown
Location: Virgin River Trail
County: Washington County
Latilong: 37.081201 , -113.574320
Elevation: 2860
Distance to bird: 10 feet
Optical equipment: Binoculars
Weather: Sunny, no clouds
Light Conditions:  Sunny
Description:        Size of bird: Small heron
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Heron
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Black back and top of head, orange sides, tan and white belly
(Description:)            Bill Type: Orange bill, 4-5 in long
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Black backed heron, orange sides, tan and white belly. Orange bill.
(see photo)
Song or call & method of delivery:  
Behavior: Jumping around on vegetation.
Habitat: River side swamp
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
 
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
 
References consulted:  
Description from: From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Austin R. Spence
Observer's address: 3U Merrow Road, Storrs, CT, 06268
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: N/A
Date prepared: April 3rd, 2017
Additional material: Photo
Additional comments: I was looking at the Utah bird records, and saw that my record was not verified. I did not know that I had to submit this form, so I am doing it now. I took a photograph at the time of the sighting, and will submit that accordingly. I am now a graduate student in ornithology at the University of Connecticut, therefore my address is in Connecticut.