Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2018-21
| Common name: |
Zone-tailed Hawk |
| Scientific name: | Buteo albonotatus |
| Date: | 4/25/2018 |
| Time: | 1930 |
| Length of time observed: | Approx. 10 minutes total over 4 occurrences |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | UNK |
| Location: | East fork of Taylor Creek in canyon under Buck Pasture Mountain. |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | (37.4521179,-113.1736914) |
| Elevation: | 6200ft |
| Distance to bird: | 2000 ft |
| Optical equipment: | 12x50 Vortex Diamondback |
| Weather: | Clear and beautiful. |
| Light Conditions: | 30 minutes prior to sunset. |
| Description: Size of bird: | Similar to a red-tailed hawk or turkey vulture |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Buteo shaped and TUVU behaving. |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Feathered head, barred wings and tail with large bands. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Hawk like and yellow. |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
(see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | No audible sounds detected. |
| Behavior: | Back and forth, lazy dynamic soaring over canyon from tree line to tree line. |
| Habitat: | High altitude ponderosa and mixed conifer stands over red rock canyons and riparian area. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The ZTHA May imitate the turkey vulture to ambush prey. Myself and one of the Zion NP biologists noted the bird while conducting Mexican spotted owl surveys in the canyon. TUVU were seen flying with the ZTHA, and we also noted the barring/banding in the wings and tail as well as the fully feathered head, therefore eleminating the probability of a TUVU. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
This was my first sighting of a ZTHA, but I am also a wildlife biologist who s quite familiar with avian identification. |
| References consulted: | Sibley bird guide, Merlín Bird ID, Zion NP biologists. |
| Description from: |
Notes made later From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Jamison Conner England |
| Observer's address: | 4276 N 2375 W |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Jason Pietrzak |
| Date prepared: | 5/16/2018 |
| Additional material: | Photos - Jason Pietrzak has the actual photos. |
| Additional comments: |