Thirteenth Report of the Utah Birds Records Committee – February 2005

Rick Fridell, Ron Ryel, Terry Sadler, Mark Stackhouse, Steve Summers, Larry Tripp, Merrill Webb, David Wheeler and Milton Moody (Secretary).

This thirteenth report of the Utah Bird Records Committee summarizes 46 records of 38 species that were reviewed by the committee. This includes all the records submitted during 2004 and one record submitted in 2003. The committee accepted 39 of the 46 records submitted for an 85% 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, Merrill Webb and David Wheeler.

This report adds three species to the checklist of the birds of Utah. Cackling Goose was added when the species was split from Canada Goose by the American Ornithologist= s Union (AOU) checklist committee. It was accepted as a new species on the Utah checklist in light of several existing specimens collected in the state. Also, first state records were accepted for White Ibis and Rufous-backed Robin. This brings the Utah bird list to 430 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, 45th supplement. 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, observer(s) who submitted photographs or videos, and the final-round vote of the committee (in parenthesis) with the first number being the "accept" votes and the second number being the "not-accept" votes.

The Utah Bird Records Committee would like to thank those individuals who submitted documentation of their sightings. The Committee encourages all observers to document and submit a report of unusual sightings. Multiple documentation of sightings is more valuable than a single report, since one observer may notice key field marks not reported by other observers; those field marks may contribute significantly to the value of the record. The submission of photographs and recordings of songs or calls, along with the written documentation is strongly encouraged by the committee.

Records reviewed by the UBRC:

BRANT (Branta bernicla). 2004-32. One adult was photographed at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder Co., on 10 October 2004 by Karen Welch. The Brant remained through 24 October and was observed by many additional individuals. Documentation provided by KW and Pomera Fronce, and photographs by KW, PF and Milton Moody. This is the first Brant documented in Utah since 1955. (7–0)

BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra). 2004-38. An immature female was photographed at Sand Hollow State Park, Washington Co., 6-13 November 2004 by Rick Fridell and Larry Tripp. Documentation and photographs provided by RF. (7–0)

BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra). 2004-40 (6/3). An adult female was photographed at Antelope Island State Park Causeway, Davis Co., on 7-13 November 2004 by Kathy and Joel Beyer, Pomera Fronce, Dennis Shirley, Bob Huntington, Steve Carr, and others. Documentation and photographs provided by PF. (7–0)

RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata). 2004-11. An adult photographed at Gunlock State Park, Washington Co., 8-9 November 2003 by Larry Tripp and Rick Fridell. Documentation provided by LT and photographs by RF. (7–0)

RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata). 2004-39. One juvenile observed at Hyrum State Park, Cache Co., on 6-20 November 2004 by Ron Ryel, Larry Ryel, Melanie Spriggs, Brian Dixon, Jean Lown, and many others. Documentation provided by RR. (7–0)

RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena). 2004-37. A juvenile found at Pineview Reservoir, Weber Co., on 2-7 November 2004 by Kristin Purdy, Glenn Barlow, Merrill Webb, Lu Giddings, and many others. Documentation provided by KP and GB and photographs by Edson Leite. (7–0)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis). 2004-06. An immature was found grounded on the north I-15 Beaver interchange, Beaver Co., on 19 April 2004 by Brent Farnsworth. The pelican was released by John Schijf of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, at Quail Creek State Park, Washington Co., on 22 April. The bird subsequently moved to Newcastle Reservoir, Iron Co., where it was found on 5 May by Mike Ottenbacher. It remained through 19 May, 2004 and was seen and photographed by many observers. Documentation provided by Kevin Wheeler and photographs by KW and Rick Fridell. This is first Brown Pelican documented in Utah since 1984. (2nd Rd: 7–0)

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus). 2004-24. One adult was seen north of Spanish Fork, Utah Co., on 11-14 September 2004 by Dave Hanscom, Jack Binch, Kent Lewis, and many others. Documentation provided by DH and photographs by JB, Mark Stackhouse, and Edson Leite. This is Utah’s first documented White Ibis record. (7–0)

COMMON BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus). 2004-30. An adult was observed near Utah Lake State Park, Utah Co., on 16 September 2004 by Milton Moody. Documentation and photographs provided by MM. Although this species was recently removed from the review list, this sighting was far north of their normal range. (7–0)

HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus). 2004-16. An adult was photographed in a backyard in Draper, Salt Lake Co., on 24 June 2004 by Trish Wlodarczyk. Documentation and photographs provided by TW. Although this was undoubtedly a Harris's Hawk, the consensus of the committee was that it was likely a released or escaped captive. (2nd Rnd: 0-7)

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus). 2004-29. Two adult light-phased hawks were recorded at the Wellsville Hawkwatch, Wellsville Mts., Cache Co., on 26 Sep 2004 by Jack Skalicky, Rob Spaul and Mark Fogg. Documentation provided by by JS. (7–0)

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus). 2004-18. An adult was reported near Utah Lake State Park, Utah Co., on 21 Aug 2004 by Merrill Webb. Documentation provided by MW. (2nd Rnd: 1–6)

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus). 2004-26. Two adults were observed at Lava Point, Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 24 June 2004 by Rick and John Fridell. The pair of hawks remained in the area throughout the summer and were also observed on three additional occasions between 26 June and 20 August by RF, Kevin Wheeler, and Larry Tripp. Documentation and photographs provided by RF. (7–0)

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica). 2004-17. One adult was located at the Jordanelle Wetlands on 24 July 2004 by Clay and Cliftia Johnson. It remained through at least 27 July, and was observed and by many additional observers including Eric Huish, Milton Moody, Dennis Shirley, KC Childs, Jim Bailey, and Colby Neuman. Documentation provided by C&CJ and EH, and photographs by CN and JB. This is the first Purple Gallinule documented in Utah since 10 July 1939. (7–0)

UPLAND SANDPIPER (Bartramia longicauda). 2004-02. An adult was photographed near Antelope Island, Salt Lake Co., on 4 June 2003 by Ann Neville and Peter Whitbread-Abrutat. Documentation provided by AN and photographs by PWA. (7–0)

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres). 2004-41. One juvenile was seen along the Antelope Island Causeway, Davis Co., on 29-30 August 2004 by Joel and Kathy Beyer, Pomera Fronce, Kent Lewis, Dennis Shirley, and Milton Moody. Documentation provided by J&KB and photographs by MM. (7–0)

RUFF (Philomachus pugnax). 2004-04. One individual was observed and photographed at Farmington Bay WMA, Davis Co., on 14-17 February 2004 by Bryan Shirley, Lu Giddings, and many others. Documentation provided by Joel and Kathy Beyer and photographs by Jerry Liguori and Ted Steinke. (7–0)

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus). 2004-01. An adult was seen at the Bountiful Landfill, Davis Co., on 5 January 2004 by Eric Huish and KC Childs. The gull was observed periodically through at least 22 February. Documentation and photographs provided by EH. (7–0)

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus). 2004-35. One 2nd winter individual was observed at Farmington Bay WMA, Davis Co., on 22 February 2004 by Joel and Kathy Beyer. Documentation provided by J&KB. To date all four documented sightings of this species in Utah have been from around theGreat Salt Lake. (7–0)

LEAST TERN (Sterna antillarum). 2004-05. An individual was found at the Lee Kay Ponds in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 20-21 April 2004 by Bruce Robinson, Bryan Shirley, and Merrill Webb. Documentation provided by BR and MW. This is the fourth consecutive year that Least Terns have been documented in Utah. (7–0)

WHIP-POOR-WILL (Caprimulgus vociferus). 2004-25. A calling individual was reported from the Split Mountain Campground, Dinosaur National Monument, Uintah Co., on 4 August 1983 by Robert C. Bradley. Documentation provided by RB. The committee did not accept this record since this bird was heard only, and the record was not accompanied by a recording. To date, there are no accepted records of Whip-poor-will in Utah. (0-7)

ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna). 2004-36. An adult male was photographed at a feeder in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 31 October 2004 by Ted and Helen Hicks. Documentation and photographs provided by TH. (7–0)

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes erythrocephalus). 2004-45. An adult was found at a pecan orchard near Hurricane, Washington Co., on 27 December 2004 by Merrill Webb. The woodpecker remained through at least 3 February 2005 and was observed and photographed by dozens of individuals. Documentation provided by MW and Tim Avery and photographs by TA and Jack Binch. (7–0)

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus varius). 2004-10. One juvenile, possibly a female, was seen at Lytle Ranch, Washington Co., on 8 November 2003 by Larry Tripp. Documentation provided by LT. (2nd Rnd: 5–2)

GILDED FLICKER (Colaptes chrysoides). 2004-34. An adult was reported in Leeds, Washington Co., on 2-6 October 2004 by Charlie Sheard. Documentation provided by CS. The committee felt that the description did not eliminate the possibility of a cross between a Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted Flicker. (0–7)

LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus). 2004-43. One individual was observed along the Riverdale Parkway in Ogden, Weber Co., on 29 May 2004 by Joel and Kathy Beyer. Documentation provided by J&KB. (2nd Rnd: 5–2)

EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis phoebe). 2004-21. One was photographed at Lytle Ranch, Washington Co., on 4 September 2004 by Larry Tripp. Documentation and photographs provided by LT. (7–0)

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus). 2004-14. One adult and a possible juvenile were reported from Negro Bill Canyon, Grand Co. on 20 June 2004 by Connie Kogler. Documentations provided by CK. The committee felt the description did not adequately eliminate other Myiarchus flycatcher species. (0-7)

WHITE-EYED VIREO (Vireo griseus). 2004-20. A singing individual was found in Green River, Emery Co., on 24 June 2004 by Daniel S. Cooper. Documentation provided by DC. (7–0)

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons). 2004-27. An individual was seen along the Provo River Parkway, Utah Co., on 29-30 September 2004 by Eric Huish, Milton Moody, Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, and Bob Huntington. Documentation provided by EH. (7–0)

BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius). 2004-22. One photographed along the Santa Clara River, below Gunlock Reservoir, Washington Co., on 10 September 2004 by Larry Tripp. Documentation and photographs provided by LT. (2nd Rnd: 7–0)

BLUE-HEADED VIREO (Vireo solitarius). 2004-28. An individual was reported at Lytle Ranch, Washington Co., on 24 September 2004 by Jack Binch. Documentation and photographs provided by JB. The majority of the committee felt that a bright Cassin’s Vireo could not ruled out based on the description and photographs. (2nd Rnd: 1-6)

RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN (Turdus rufopalliatus). 2004-44. An adult was found in an apple orchard in Springdale, Washington Co., on 18 December 2004 by Marshall and Seth Topham, Kenneth and Don Hinton, and Todd Calico. The thrush remained through 31 December and was enjoyed by many additional observers. Documentation provided by KH and Tim Avery and photographs by KH, TA, and Rick Fridell. This exceptional record, a first for Utah, is the northern-most documented location for the species in the United States. (7–0)

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera). 2004-08. One adult female was observed at Deseret Ranch, Rich Co., on 19 May 2004 by Mark Stackhouse and many others. Documentation provided by MS. (7–0)

NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana). 2004-07. A female photographed and banded at Fish Springs NWR, Juab Co., on 18 May 2004 by Jay Banta, Robert Haupt, and Robert Sims. Documentation provided by JB and photographs by RS. (7–0)

NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana). 2004-13. An adult male was photographed at Kaufman Ranch, Millard Co., on 22 May 2004 by Larry Tripp. Documentation and photograph provided by LT. (7–0)

NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana). 2004-09. One adult male was seen in Ephraim, Sanpete Co., on 24 May 2004 by Paul A. Gardner. Documentation provided by PG. (7–0)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica). 2004-23. One photographed at Fish Springs NWR, Juab Co., on 18 September 2004 by Jack Binch and many other observers. Documentation and photographs provided by JB. (7–0)

MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Dendroica magnolia). 2004-31. One adult male was seen at Garr Ranch on Antelope Island, Davis Co., on 12 October 2004 by Merrill Webb. Documentation provided by MW. (7–0)

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens). 2004-12. An adult male was observed at Foote Reservoir, Bishop Springs, Millard Co., on 29 May 2004 by Larry Tripp. Documentation provided by LT. (7-0)

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica). 2004-19. One adult male was seen along River Lane in Lake Shore, Utah Co., on 4-9 September 2004 by Tuula Rose and several other observers. Documentation provided by TR. (7–0)

PALM WARBLER (Dendroica palmarum). 2003-33. A fall adult was seen at the mouth of Santaquin Canyon, Utah Co., on 5 October 2004 by Tuula Rose. Documentation provided by TR. (2nd Rd: 6–1)

KENTUCKY WARBLER (Oporornis formosus). 2003-43. An adult male flew into a window and was briefly stunned in a backyard in Tropic, Garfield Co., on 5 Nov 2003 allowing H. Gail Pollock to observe the bird in hand. Documentation provided by HP. (2nd Rd: 7–0)

SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea). 2004-42. One non-breeding male was photographed in Castle Valley, Grand Co., on 13 November 2004 by Tom Harris, and Luther and Waneta Harris. Documentation and photographs provided by TH. (7–0)

RUSTY BLACKBIRD (Euphagus carolinus). 2004-03. An adult female was observed along the Weber River, Riverdale Parkway, Ogden, Weber Co., on 12-15 February 2004 by Carolyn and Mort Somer, and many others. Documentation provided by C&MS and photographs by Milton Moody. This is the first documented sighting in 14 years. (7–0)