Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2022-55


Common name:

Boreal Owl

Scientific name: Aegolius funereus
Date: 10/3/2022
Time: 7:35 PM for the first observation
Length of time observed: Five minutes for the first observation. Flashlight was used only for ID purposes and to quickly capture images.
Number: We counted five within a two-mile stretch in our targeted area. We observed two, one, then two.
Age: All were in adult plumage. See photo for plumage details.
Sex: One was noticeably large, so it was likely a female. Both sexes observed based on size differences.
Location: The north slope of the Uinta Mountains (a forest road number or more specific details can be provided if required)
County: Summit County
Latilong:  
Elevation: 9700’
Distance to bird: Fifteen to 30 feet
Optical equipment: Naked eye and camera lenses
Weather: Skies were clear to partly cloudy, no wind, temps in the low 40s
Light Conditions: Bright waxing gibbous moon. The birds were illuminated with headlamp and then briefly with flashlight to capture images
Description:        Size of bird:  
(Description:)       Basic Shape:  
(Description:)  Overall Pattern:  
(Description:)            Bill Type:  
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
(See photos)
 
Song or call & method of delivery: No song. Sometimes a wheezy whistle was heard.  Mostly silent during observation.
Behavior: Responded to call and landed in nearby pines. Two were seen briefly flying across the road ahead of us.
Habitat: Mixed conifer with scattered deciduous trees
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Compared with Northern Saw-whet, Boreal Owls have white spots rather than streaks in the forehead, pale rather than dark bills, dark and white rather than tawny and white facial feathers, smaller eyes in a bulkier head, and white spotting on the chest rather than streaking like a Saw-whet. The topside was gray/brown with white spotting throughout the back.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
This is our third year in a row observing them in the Uinta Mountains. Jeff has seen them near West Yellowstone and in Minnesota as well.
References consulted: Not consulted due to previous experience with the species
Description from: Memory and photos
Observer: Terry Reid, James Loveless, and Jeff Cooper
Observer's address: Pleasant Grove, UT
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: 10/12/22
Additional material: Photo
Additional comments: