Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-20
| Common name: |
Dickcissel |
| Scientific name: | Spiza americana |
| Date: | May 16, 2018 |
| Time: | 11:21 AM MDT |
| Length of time observed: | 2 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Fielding Garr Ranch, Antelope Island State Park |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | 40'29.8"N 112°'55.4"W |
| Elevation: | ~4240 ft |
| Distance to bird: | 20 meters |
| Optical equipment: | 8x42 Binoculars, Lumix FZ-80 camera (60x zoom) |
| Weather: | Sunny, slight breeze, 70 degrees (F) |
| Light Conditions: | Direct sunlight |
| Description: Size of bird: | Small |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | sparrow-like |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Reddish Brown wings, white breast, bright yellow upper breast, white throat with a black "necklace" |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Short and stout |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
(see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Appeared to be singing but couldn't hear it over the RWBLs |
| Behavior: | Hanging on to reeds, pausing for ~60 seconds to look around and sing then flying ~10 meters along edge of reeds |
| Habitat: | Marshy area near shore of Great Salt Lake - possibly fed by a freshwater spring near the ranch |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
First thought was YBCH, but quickly eliminated by black on throat and sparrow-like bill. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Spent a week in South Louisiana in April, 2018 - many fields with tall grass along the levees had dozens of dickcissels which I observed quite often (and listened to their vocalization). |
| References consulted: | Merlin Bird ID, The Sibley Guide to Birds, National Geographic Birds of North America |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Benjamin Byerly |
| Observer's address: | 111 NE 6TH AVE APT 221 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Gary R Byerly () |
| Date prepared: | May 16, 2018 |
| Additional material: | Photos Google map screenshot (East of the main buildings toward the lake) |
| Additional comments: |
