Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2020-35
| Common name: |
Veery |
| Scientific name: | Catharus fuscescens |
| Date: | September 1, 2020 |
| Time: | 09:54 |
| Length of time observed: | >1 minute |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Mormon Flat Campground, Jeremy Ranch Road |
| County: | Morgan County |
| Latilong: | 40.815035, -111.585330 |
| Elevation: | I'd guess about 6,000+ feet |
| Distance to bird: | 30 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon D500 with a Nikkor 500mm Lens + 1.4x TC |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Light Conditions: | Sunny |
| Description: Size of bird: | Slightly smaller than an American Robin |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Thrush shaped |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Uniformally reddish above, white below |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | straight narrow bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Plump body, whitish flanks, white belly, weak lateral throat-stripe, reddish to
cinnamon colored upper parts. Bird was perched with its back to me but when it
took off I didn't notice any strong spots. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Silent |
| Behavior: | Perched briefly (<2 seconds) and then took off |
| Habitat: | Willow thicket with a seep below it. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Eliminated Hermit Thrush because this bird lacks the olive-gray flanks and strong lateral throat-stripe that Hermit Thrushes have. Eliminated Swainson's Thrush because this bird lacks the rufous tinged flanks and olive colored back that Swainson's Thrushes have and this bird also lacks the distinct "spectacled" appearance they have. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
None in person, knowledge gained from photos and reading books. Experienced with Hermit Thrushes in the field. |
| References consulted: | Sibley's Guide to Birds, Merlin |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mia McPherson |
| Observer's address: | 896 Riverbend Dr, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | September 1, 2020 |
| Additional material: | Two Photos are being sent after submission. |
| Additional comments: | Ron Dudley also saw the bird but could not ID or photograph it. |