Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2024-25
| Common name: |
Lark Bunting |
| Scientific name: | Calamitous melanocorys |
| Date: | 5/11/2024 |
| Time: | 11:09 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 5 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | male |
| Location: | Ruin Springs Road, Blending US-UT |
| County: | San Juan |
| Latilong: | 37.51366, -109.49420 |
| Elevation: | ~1700 meters |
| Distance to bird: | 20' |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski binoculars 10 x 42, Nikon B700 camera |
| Weather: | temp about 60; mostly cloudy |
| Light Conditions: | good |
| Description: Size of bird: | 7" |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | stocky, large bill, short tail |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | black with bright white wing coverts and white edges on wing feathers |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | short and thick |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Field marks: Overall black color White wing patch and white edges on wing feathers Large bluish-gray bill Stocky shape Short tail Dark eyes Gray legs Feeding with Lark Sparrows (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | not heard |
| Behavior: | on ground hopping around as if looking for insects |
| Habitat: | Observed in area around cattle holding area; desert grassland with sagebrush |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Ruled out Bobolink because it lacked straw-colored nape and white rump; bill was shorter and thicker than Bobolink. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have observed this species numerous times in Texas (winter) and South Dakota (summer) grasslands. |
| References consulted: | Sibley's Birds (app) |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sightin |
| Observer: | Sandy and Randy Reed |
| Observer's address: | 810 N Main Street, pmb 111, Spearfish SD 57783 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | None |
| Date prepared: | 5/13/2024 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |