Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-18a
| Common name: |
Zone-tailed Hawk |
| Scientific name: | Buteo albonotatus |
| Date: | May 23, 2018 |
| Time: | 9:15-9:22 AM; 9:49-9:57 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 15 minutes total |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | not determined |
| Location: | Zion NP- Lava Point, Washington, Utah |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 37.3842; -113.0291 |
| Elevation: | 7890' |
| Distance to bird: | Approximately 40-50 yards |
| Optical equipment: | 10x42 binoculars, Nikon D750 with 300mm & 1.4 tele (420mm) |
| Weather: | Fair, slight breeze, good thermals. |
| Light Conditions: | Sunny. |
| Description: Size of bird: | Above average hawk. |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Raptor, similar to Turkey Vulture |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | All black with white tail band. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Hawk-like |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
All black hawk, above average size, wings carried in a slight dihedral pattern
like a Turkey Vulture. All dark above, dual tone below like a Turkey Vulture. It
had a feathered head, yellow cere, and a hawk-like bill. Broad white stripe in
the tail. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | No vocalizations. |
| Behavior: | Soaring pattern riding the thermals along the cliff edge (9:15-9:22 AM). Seen a second time over the mesa and campground area (9:49-9:57 AM) flying fairly low hunting for prey. |
| Habitat: | Mountain woodland. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Wing shape, all dark color, broad tail stripe- characteristic of Zone-tailed Hawk. When it first appeared along the cliff edge it was close enough for a positive ID without binoculars. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen and photographed many Zone-tailed Hawks in Utah and Arizona. |
| References consulted: | None. |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Maurice DeMille |
| Observer's address: | 260 N Main St, La Verkin, Utah |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | N/A |
| Date prepared: | May 28, 2018 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |