This twelfth report of the Utah Bird Records Committee summarizes 37 records of 31 species that were reviewed by the committee. The committee accepted 35 of the 37 records submitted for a 95% acceptance rate.

The following committee members participated in the review of the records included in this report: Rick Fridell, Steven Hedges, Ron Ryel, Terry Sadler, Mark Stackhouse, Steve Summers, and Merrill Webb.

First state records were accepted six species, listed below. Although two of these species, Ruddy Ground-Dove and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, have appeared on earlier Utah bird check-lists, supporting documentation was not available for review by the Records Committee and consequently these species were removed from the official state list (two additional species, Bar-tailed Godwit and Laughing Gull, were also removed from the official state list due to lack of documentation). This brings the Utah bird list to 427 species.

All records evaluated by the Committee are listed by common and scientific name using the nomenclature and taxonomic order of the 7th American Ornithologist= s Union Check-list of North American Birds and the 44^th supplement of that Check-list. The following information is included with each record: common name, scientific name (in parenthesis), record number, the number of birds observed along with age and sex if known, location of sighting, date(s) of occurrence, observers with the initial finder listed first, observer(s) who submitted written documentation of the record, and observer(s) who submitted photographs or videos.

The Utah Bird Records Committee would like to thank those individuals who submitted documentation of their sightings to the Committee. The Committee encourages all observers to document and submit a report of unusual sightings. Multiple documentation of sightings is often more valuable than a single report, since one observer may notice key field marks that are missed by other observers. Those field marks may be the difference between a record being accepted or not accepted. The Committee also encourages the submission of photographs and tape recordings of songs or calls, which significantly aid in the review and evaluation of records.

NORTHERN BOBWHITE (Colinus virginianus). 2003-13. One adult male was observed near a backyard bird feeder in Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake Co., on 8 May 2003 by Susan and Jeffrey Saffle. Documentation was provided by S&JS. Although there was no question that this was indeed a Northern Bobwhite, this species is not established in Utah, and thus, this individual was most likely an introduced bird. 0 Y - 7 N

RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata). 2003-11. A first summer juvenile observed at Hyrum Reservoir, Cache Co., on 22-27 April 2003 by Milton Moody, Dennis Shirley and Bryan Shirley. Documentation and photographs were provided by MM. The timing (late April) and the location (n. Utah) of this record is somewhat unique. Since 1984, all other Red-throated Loon observations have occurred during the winter in Washington and Beaver Counties especially during the month of November. 7 Y - 0 N

RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena). 2003-10. One adult observed at Hyrum Reservoir, Cache Co., on 20-28 April 2003 by Ron and Larry Ryel. Additional observers included Dave and Sue Drown. Documentation and a drawing were provided by RR. 7 Y - 0 N

REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens). 2003-30. An immature observed by Larry Tripp at Gunlock State Park, Washington Co., on 14 August 2003. This bird remained through 21 September 2003 and was observed by over 40 individuals. Written documentation provided by LT and Merrill Webb, and photographs provided by Milton Moody. This is the first confirmed Reddish Egret record in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens). 2003-31. An immature observed by Milton Moody and Merrill Webb at James Walter Fitzgerald WMA, Tooele Co., from 2-9 September 2003. Additional observers included Carol Gwynn, and Glen and Dona Thorum. Documentation was provided by MW and photographs by MM. This is Utah’s second Reddish Egret record, and followed the first (2003-30) by a few weeks and was located approximately 230 miles to the north. 7 Y - 0 N

COMMON BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus). 2003-15. An adult observed at Verdure Creek, Abajo Mountains, San Juan Co., on 9 May 2003 by Brian Maxfield, Amy Seglund, Bill James, and others. Documentation provided by Brian Maxfield. This record is of particular interest because it is only the second record of a Common Black-Hawk outside of Washington County. 2^nd Rd: 6 Y - 1 N

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus). 2003-3. A juvenile photographed by Jerry Liguori in the foothills east of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., in early May 2002. Documentation and photograph provided by JL. This species has been observed across Utah with increased frequency since 1999. 2^nd Rd: 7 Y - 0 N

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus). 2003-21. An adult, possibly in first spring plumage, was observed at Silver Reef, Washington Co., on 30 April 2003 by Rick Fridell. Documentation and photographs provided by RF. Since the first state record in Capitol Reef NP in 1984, all subsequent sightings have been in Washington County. 7 Y - 0 N

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus). 2003-34. An adult observed at Lava Point, Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 25 August 2003 by Rick Fridell. Written documentation and photograph provided by RF. A single Zone-tailed Hawk was occasionally observed in the Kolob area between 25 May and 25 August 2003. 7 Y - 0 N

GYRFALCON (Falco rusticolus) 2003-1. A juvenile gray morph was observed at Rosebud field station road about 18 miles southwest of Rosette, Box Elder Co., on 7 Apr 2001 by Jerry Liguori. Documentation and a photograph provided by JL. This is the only non-winter documented sighting of this species in Utah. 2^nd Rd: 6 Y - 1 N

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (Calidris fuscicollis). 2003-26. One adult in alternate plumage was observed at a sewage pond south of Blanding, San Juan Co., on 27 May 2003 by Nathan Pieplow and Andrew Spencer. Documentation was provided by NP and a photograph by AS. This is the first sighting of this species in the southern half of the state. The last three sightings were at Ouray NWR, Uintah Co., and the first was near the Great Salt Lake, Davis Co. 7 Y - 0 N

RED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicarius). 2003-27. One individual molting into alternate plumage was observed at a sewage pond south of Blanding, San Juan Co., on 27 May 2003 by Nathan Pieplow and Andrew Spencer. Documentation was provided by NP and a photograph by AS. This is the first sighting in the southeastern corner of the state. Most others have been in Washington County or in the north central part of the Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

HEERMANN'S GULL (Larus heermanni). 2003-35. A second fall bird was seen at Southgate Golf Course pond, Washington Co., on 2 Oct 2003 by Marilyn Davis, Matthew Curtis, Kevin Wheeler, Rick Fridell, and Steve Summers. Documentation provided by KW and photographs by KW and RF. This is the second record of this species in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

LEAST TERN (Sterna antillarum). 2003-17. An adult was observed at Lee Kay Ponds, Salt Lake Co., on 15-23 May 2003 by Bruce Robinson. Additional observers included Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, Bob Huntington, Larene Wyss, Edward Conrad, Dana Green, and Jack Torrey. Documentation provided by BR. 7 Y - 0 N

LEAST TERN (Sterna antillarum). 2003-28. An adult located by Mike and John Schijf at the St. George Golf Course, Washington Co., on 28 May 2003. The tern remained through 1 June 2003 and was seen by Rick Fridell, Kristen Comella, and Steve and Priscilla Summers. Documentation and photographs provided by RF. Two other sighting of this species, one in Salt Lake County, and another in Utah County, were reported in 2003. Sightings of this species seem to be on the increase since 1997. 7 Y - 0 N

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto). 2003-23. Two adults observed near Salem Lake, Utah Co., 21 May through 4 June 2003 by Milton Moody. These birds were also observed by Dennis Shirley, Tuula Rose, Leena Rogers, Wade Miller, and many others. Documentation and photographs were provided by MM. This is the seventh documented record in Utah, since the first confirmed sighting in 2000. Eurasian Collared-Doves have rapidly expanded throughout the state and are now breeding in many locations. 7 Y - 0 N.

RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti). 2003-09. One adult male was videoptaped at Lytle Ranch, Washington Co., on 31 October 1991 by Mark Hopkins. It was also observed on 2 November 1991 by Merrill Webb. Documentation provided by MW and videotape by MH. This is the first confirmed Ruddy Ground-Dove record in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Cynanthus latirostris). 2003-22. One immature female observed in the Washington Fields, along the north branch of the Middle Drain, Washington Co., on 11 August 2002 by Rick Fridell, Steve Summers and Kristen Comella. Documentation provided by RF. This is the fifth confirmed sighting of this species in Utah and they all have been in Washington Co. during late summer or early fall. 2^nd Rd: 7 Y - 0 N

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius). 2003-16. An adult male located by Larry Tripp at Lytle Ranch, Washington Co., 18 January through 1 March 2003. Additional observers included Rick Fridell, Kevin Wheeler, Dana Green, and Priscilla and Steve Summers. Documentation provided by LT and RF and photographs by RF and SS. This record was accepted following first round discussion on the subtle characteristics separating this species from the Red-naped Sapsucker. This is the first accepted, documented Yellow-bellied Sapsucker record in Utah. 2^nd Rd: 7 Y - 0 N

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius). 2003-32. An adult male reported from Harker Canyon, Tooele Co., on 3 September 2003 by Merrill Webb and Milton Moody. Documentation was provided by MW and MM. This record was not accepted by the entire committee, because of the early date of the sighting and the difficulty of distinguishing Yellow-bellied and Red-naped Sapsuckers at this time of year, particularly without photographic evidence. 2^nd Rd: 2 Y - 5 N

RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus ruber daggetti). 2003-37. An adult male was observed by Rick Fridell and Kevin Wheeler in the orchard at Lytle Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washington Co., from 17-25 October 2003. Documentation and photographs provided by RF. The committee concluded that this was a pure S. r. daggetti race and not a hybrid. This is the first documented sighting since a 1993 sighting at Fish Springs NWR in Juab Co. 7 Y - 0 N

EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis phoebe). 2003-12. An adult was observed on Jordan River Parkway, Salt Lake Co., on 7 May 2003 by Ed Conrad. Documentation was provided by EC. This is the first documented sighting of this species in Utah since 1990. 7 Y - 0 N

BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius). 2003-40. One individual was seen at Red Hills Golf Course in St. George, Washington Co., on 2 October 2003 by Larry Tripp. Rick Fridell, Kristen Comella, and Steve and Priscilla Summers observed the vireo on 4 October 2003. Documentation provided by LT and photographs submitted by SS. Careful observation is necessary to distinguish this species from Cassin’s Vireo and the photographs showing sharp color contrast between the head and the throat, and the head and the back, were essential in reviewing this record. This is Utah’s first documented Blue-headed Vireo record. 7 Y - 0 N

BROWN THRASHER (Toxostoma rufum). 2003-39. An adult observed at Lytle Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washington Co., on 17 Oct 2003 by Rick Fridell and Kevin Wheeler. Documentation provided by RF. Although this species is not presently on the review list, this is only the second sighting of this species since 1996. 7 Y - 0 N

CURVE-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma curvirostre). 2003-25. One individual was observed at Red Hills Golf Course in St. George, Washington Co., on 21 June 2003 by Edson Leite. Documentation and photographs were provided by EL. Because of the lack of visible spotting on the breast and an unusual general coloration, there were several first round questions on the identity of this bird. Some committee members felt more discussion was necessary to rule out juvenile Crissal Thrasher. These questions sent the record to a second round for open discussion and consultation with some of the top experts in the country. The Crissal Thrasher was eliminated because of the light colored undertail coverts. The unusual lack of spotting on the breast was explained by picture quality and possible worn plumage. After the record was accepted, the committee member with the second-round dissenting vote obtained an opinion from another national expert who was convinced that this bird was indeed a Curve-billed Thrasher. This is the first documented sighting of this species in Utah. 2^nd Rd: 6 Y - 1 N

NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana). 2003-20. A single bird observed by Lonny Boring and Bob Showler at the Watchman Residence, Zion National Park, Washington Co., from 16 May through 5 June 2003. Additional observers included Christi Carmichael, Dennis Brooks, Willy Dunne, and Rick Fridell. Documentation provided by BS. This is the fifth accepted Northern Parula record in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens). 2003-42. One adult female observed at Lytle Ranch, Washington Co., on 18 October 2003 by Larry Tripp. Documentation provided by LT. 7 Y - 0 N

HERMIT WARBLER (Dendroica occidentalis). 2003-41. An immature female observed along the Santa Clara River above Gunlock State Park, Washington Co., on 23 August 2003 by Larry Tripp, Rick Fridell, Kristin Comella, Priscilla Summers and Steve Summers. Documentation provided by LT. This is the fifth accepted Hermit Warbler record in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

HERMIT WARBLER2 (Dendroica occidentalis). 2003-38. An immature female observed at Lava Point, Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 25 August 2003 by Rick Fridell. Documentation and photographs were provided by RF. This is Utah’s sixth documented Hermit Warbler record, and the fourth accepted record since 2002. This species is likely a rare, but regular fall migrant through southwestern Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica). 2003-08. One female observed in
Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 28 December 2002 by John Spence. Documentation and drawings provided by JS. This is the first confirmed Utah sighting of this species in 10 years. 7 Y - 0 N

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica). 2003-18. An adult male observed at Fielding-Garr Ranch, Antelope Island State Park, Davis Co., on 1 June 2003 by Joel and Kathy Beyer. Documentation provided by JB and KB. This is the fourth confirmed sighting of this species in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla). 2003-14. An adult observed on Jordan River Parkway, Salt Lake Co., on 8 May 2003 by Ed Conrad. Documentation provided by EC. Both the described behavior and time of year were consistent with previous observations of this species in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Seiurs motacilla). 2003-24. One individual was observed at Beaver Dam Wash in Washington Co., on 4 May 2003 by Larry Tripp. Documentation was provided by LT. This was a very detailed description that included all the important field marks distinguishing this bird from the similar Northern Waterthrush. This is the first accepted sighting in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

HOODED WARBLER (Wilsonia citrina). 2003-36. An adult male observed at the Horseshoe Canyon Unit, Canyonlands NP, in Wayne Co., on 12 October 2003 by Sally Miller. Documentation provided by SM. This is the fourth confirmed Hooded Warbler sighting in Utah. 7 Y - 0 N

PAINTED REDSTART (Myioborus pictus). 2003-19. A singing adult was observed at Weeping Rock, Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 3 April 2003 by Kevin Shipp and Bob Showler. It was last observed on 7 May 2003 by Alan Wight and Shelly Hernandez, upstream from the Temple of Sinawava. Additional observers included Larry Tripp, Matt Curtis, Kevin Wheeler, Kristen Comella, and Rick Fridell. Documentation and a photograph provided by AW. This is the third year in a row that this species has been documented in Zion Canyon. 7 Y - 0 N

DICKCISSEL (Spiza americana). 2003-33. A first winter bird was located at Lytle Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash, Washington Co., on 31 August 2003 by Larry Tripp. It was observed later that day by Rick Fridell and relocated on 1 September by Merrill Webb, Alton Thygerson and LT. Documentation provided by LT. Although there have been recent unconfirmed, this is the first documented record in Utah since 1959. 7 Y - 0 N

BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus). 2003-29. An adult female was observed at Red Hills Golf Course in St. George, Washington Co., on 9 May 2003 by Larry Tripp and Glen Barlow. Several other birders also saw this bird between 9 May and 2 June. Documentation provided by LT and photographs by Rick Fridell. This is the fourth confirmed sighting of a Bronzed Cowbird in Utah and the second sighting in consecutive years at this location. 7 Y - 0 N