Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Brown Thrasher
Scientific name:	Toxostoma rufum
Date:	9-24-2020
Time:	7:15am
Length of time observed:	3 hours
Number:	1
Age:	Unknown
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Buffalo Ranch Pond, Farmington, Utah
County:	Davis
Latilong:	40.986790, -111.938963
Elevation:	Approx 4226ft
Distance to bird:	10-20 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon Monarch 5 Binoculars and Nikon 7200 camera with 200mm lens
Weather:	Sunny, clear
Light Conditions:	Sunrise lighting was dim, but turning bright.
Description: Size of bird:	Length approximately 10 inches
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Thrasher shape, long tail.
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Reddish brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	Long slightly curved bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Identified the Brown thrasher almost immediately at around 7:15am, but spent over 3 hours trying to photograph it. The larger size, compared to the more common, yet smaller Sage thrasher, and reddish-brown color were noticeable field markers. The thrasher was constantly flying in the opposite direction. However, when I saw its frontal view, heavy dark streaking on whitish underparts, it confirmed my first impression that I was on the correct track. I also sent photos to Kenny Frisch to get a second opinion before posting the observation on eBird. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Recorded smack call on RecForge App.
Behavior:	The thrasher was elusive, disappearing into the phragmites and reappearing at different places.
Habitat:	Marsh, some cattail, but mostly phragmites.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Sage and Bendire's Thrashers have smaller bodies and bills and have grayer overall color. The Long-billed Thrasher is darker and has a gray face, and is a resident non-migrant, limited to Eastern Mexico and Southern Texas. The Curve-billed Thrasher plumage is mostly gray. While Curve-billed Thrashers have been reported in Southern Utah, the likelihood of being observed in Northern Utah would be an astonishingly rare event. In contrast, the Brown Thrasher has been observed in Salt Lake County. For these reasons, as well as photographic and audio evidence, other similar species can therefore be reasonably eliminated.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	From 1989 to 2010, I lived in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Eastern Texas, North Carolina, and Virginia. I am familiar with The Brown Thrasher within its expected range.
References consulted:	Merlin app, National Geographic Complete Birds of North America, Peterson Field Guide to Bird Sounds (https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/peterson-field-guide-to-bird-sounds/)
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Colin Maguire
Observer's address:	1262 North Nola Circle, Centerville, Utah 84014
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	10-20-20
Additional material:	Photos wav files
Additional comments: