Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Bronzed Cowbird
Scientific name:	[Molothrus aeneus]
Date:	9/25/17
Time:	10 am
Length of time observed:	15 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	m
Sex:
Location:	Arches Natl Park, on path to delicate arch, by stream and greenery at abandoned homesite,
County:	grand
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	30 ft
Optical equipment:	nikon 8 x 42 binoculars
Weather:	sunny, warm
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:	9 inches
(Description:) Basic Shape:	plump, hunchback
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	black, glossy brone, iridescent blue green wing
(Description:) Bill Type:	very thick
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	distinctive bold red eye thicker bill than any other blackbird ive seen fairly big body shape, big head, hunchback type of look
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	just hanging out near stream. perched on fence and in brush
Habitat:	its a desert area. found in a green area alongside stream I was on a 5 park tour. found this bird initially because attracted by a couple nearby yellow headed blackbirds. Saw from the trail from parking lot to delicate arch
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Elimination: cant find any other blackbird with such a distinctive red eye and thick bill and broad body shape. No brown on this bird like there is on common cowbirds
Previous experience with this & similar species:
References consulted:	Natl Geog field guide; ibird pro and audubon apps
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Kevin J O'Connor
Observer's address:	18206 24th Ave N, Plymouth Mn 55447
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	no other birders on this tour sorry
Date prepared:	12/26/19
Additional material:
Additional comments:	I guess you discovered me because I entered my historical trip checklists on ebird recently. Sorry I have no other details besides what Ive written here from my original notes, since this observation was 2 years ago.