Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Common Redpoll
Scientific name:	Acanthis flammea
Date:	3-7-18
Time:	11:00 a.m.
Length of time observed:	15-20 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Unknown
Sex:	Likely female/immature type
Location:	Bingham City Cemetery
County:	Salt Lake
Latilong:
Elevation:	5500 feet
Distance to bird:	20-30 feet
Optical equipment:	Binoculars
Weather:	A beautiful sunny day
Light Conditions:	Excellent
Description: Size of bird:	Small finch
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Passerine
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Streaky brown and white
(Description:) Bill Type:	Conical
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Overall brown and white with noticeable streaking on the back and along the flanks. Red crown, small yellow bill, black feathering at the lores/throat, light belly, notched tail and two white wing bars. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None heard
Behavior:	Actively moving around in this very small cemetery. First seen foraging in the dry weeds near the grave markers and subsequently staying in the weeds when on the ground. Flew up on the chain link fence and into a small tree several times, providing excellent looks.
Habitat:	Weedy with some juniper trees inside the cemetery. Sagebrush fields outside.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	A Hoary Redpoll would be lighter in color overall with fainter streaks on the flanks.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	My first observation of Common Redpolls was a flock of 20 in Mantua, Utah, on 1-14-02. A handful of other sightings in Utah since then.
References consulted:	The Sibley Guide to Birds, Second Edition
Description from:	From memory and photos taken at time of sighting
Observer:	Pomera M. Fronce
Observer's address:	Salt Lake City, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Joanna Kane
Date prepared:	4-1-18
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Description written from memory and reviewing images taken by Joanna Kane.