Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Vaux's Swift
Scientific name:	[Chaetura vauxi]
Date:	4/27/24
Time:	9:00am
Length of time observed:	~10 seconds
Number:	at least 2
Age:
Sex:
Location:	Tonaquint Park, over the Santa Clara River, St George, UT
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:	~2700 ft
Distance to bird:	25 to 150 ft
Optical equipment:	Swarovski 42x8.5
Weather:	Cool, fairly heavy, low overcast (ideal swift sighting weather conditions)
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:	About same as nearby Violet-green Swallows
(Description:) Basic Shape:	swift: stiff sickle-shaped wings, flared tail at times
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	in overcast sky appeared plain gray or gray-brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	short swift bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Bird_Description: See "behavior" below for distinguishing flight characteristics. To narrate: I was sorting through a sizable "flock" of foraging swallows, the largest I've seen in St George. All were at fairly low altitude due to low-ish overcast, but for the most part I had to rely on profile against the morning gray sky. A few would dip low enough to be seen against the dark ridge across the way. I picked out 1 Barn Swallow, about 3 Cliff Swallows, and several NRWs, but the vast majority were Violet-greens. A "different" bird caught my eye, actually because of the flared tail (not necessarily typical or distinctive of Vaux's Swift) and then I noticed the rest of the shape: the thin, sickle-shaped wings. Then I noticed the distinctive swift flight: smoother, more direct, more efficient, and even once or twice, momentarily, the "tipsy"/vibrating rapid wingbeats. I immediately called out SWIFT! They passed over twice, providing the second confirming view. Both times they flew almost directly overhead, at least once just about tree-top level. There were at least two swifts flying in proximity, possibly more further out. They were silent (or I would have immediately picked up on them) as were the swallows for the most part. I have ZERO doubt their identity. By the way, 4/30 I had an immature SHORT-BILLED GULL at Sand Hollow Reservoir, point-blank range. I later heard that Tim Avery had reported one the day before?
Song or call & method of delivery:	Silent, as were nearly all the swallows in the mixed migrating flock
Behavior:	Flying with a foraging mixed flock of swallows. Combo of soaring/gliding and rapid, stiff wingbeats -- once or twice the rapidly "tipsy," almost vibrating wingbeats of Vaux's Swift. Flight was smooth and direct as if "knifing"/cutting through the air; no abrupt pinwheeling or change-of-direction/pace as Violet-greens are prone to do. Flight appeared more efficient and powerful than swallows.
Habitat:	Airborne over a riparian zone and river valley, cottonwoods and mixed deciduous on near side, willow etc in river channel, farm field and golf course on opposite side bordered by a dark volcanic ridge
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Violet-green (and other) Swallow: Similar size but distinct flight pattern. See "behavior" above" White-throated Swift: Not big enough; overall slower flight; uniform-looking plumage Black Swift: Not big enough; flight less gliding (more wingbeats) Chimney Swift: Even more unlikely, and not nearly a definitive enough view -- tho there apparently is a county record.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	30+ years in W Washington observing Vaux's Swifts and targeting them specifically to pick them out of mixed swallow flocks. During peak spring migration we sometimes had 100s pass over, a few of which nested on my block. A chimney roost was utilized in September 2 blocks from my home.
References consulted:	Range map and Washington County checklist.
Description from:	From memory
Observer:	Paul Hicks + 8 others
Observer's address:	1630 E 2450 So #26, St George 84790
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	I don't think anyone would have independently IDed the birds if I had not called out the distinguishing field marks in real time: thin, sickle-shaped wings, plus flight pattern. Group participants included Asher Lee, Kristin Hilts, Sharlene Kasadate, and Ray & Laura Dahl of St George, Caroline Newman of GSLC, and Celia Sullivan & friend (Colorado?)
Date prepared:	5/2/24
Additional material:	No_additional_Materials
Additional comments:	I was leading a birding-by-ear field practice outing as follow-up to my BBE workshop for the Red Cliffs/Greater Zion BirdFest. I was systematically sorting through the sizable swallow flock for the challenge of it (hardly ideal lighting conditions) and to "up" our field trip's species tally. I had picked out Barn, Cliff, and NRW (and hoping for Tree) from among the many dozens of Violet-greens. The unusually cool, overcast conditions felt very familiar to many-a-morning sorting through mixed flocks in W Washington. Days previous we had some strong West winds and light rain (snow and big winds in the mountains) associated with a cold front.