Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2021-02

Common name:

Thick-billed Longspur  [McCown's L.]
Scientific name: Rhynchophanes mccownii
Date: January 3, 2021
Time: 12:30 pm
Length of time observed: 5 minutes accumulative
Number: 2
Age: Adult
Sex: Male and Female
Location: Golden Spike National Historical Sight
County: Box Elder
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: As close as 15 yards.
Optical equipment: Vortex Razor 27-65x80mm Spotting Scope, 10x42mm Pentax Binoculars.
Weather: Combo of cloudy, partly sunny, and fog.
Light Conditions: At times good.
Description:        Size of bird: ~5.5
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Sparrow
(Description:)  Overall Pattern:  Light brown
(Description:)            Bill Type: Finch/sparrow
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:

Inverted T tail pattern, rusty median coverts, and fading black upper chest patch was observed on male. Rusty median coverts, pinkish bill, and broad buffy eyebrow was observed on female.
(see photo)
Song or call & method of delivery: N/A
Behavior: Actively foraging with a large flock of Horned Larks with very few other longspurs mixed in.
Habitat: Upland open country with wheatgrass sprinkled in. Snow.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:		 Once longspur species was qualified, the rusty median coverts and tail pattern are diagnostic.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:		 Extensive. I ve witnessed them on their Summer Breeding grounds and have now observed nearly 30 wintering individuals in Utah.
 
References consulted: None, memory.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Mike Hearell
Observer's address: North Ogden
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: None. Although others have been reported in the area.
Date prepared: 1-6-21
Additional material: Photo
Additional comments: