Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 13-1999


Common name:

White-eyed Vireo

Scientific name: Vireo griseus
Date: 31 Jul 1999
Time: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Length of time observed: 5 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: Not known
Location: Calf Creek Recreation Area east of Escalante, Utah
County: Garfield
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 30' 
Optical equipment: 10 x 40 power Leitz binoculars
Weather: Sunny with scattered clouds
Light Conditions: Good
Detailed description of bird: Bird appeared to be in somewhat worn plumage but I observed clearly the definitive field mark for this species, i.e. black center of eye surrounded by white and very distinguishable yellow lores.  Heavier bill than a warbler, methodical movements.  I don't recall  distinct wing bars as I made the id by looking at the head.  Being from East Texas this species is an "every day" bird.
Song or call & method of delivery: I "pished" the bird out and he responded immediately.  He was in a Gambel's Oak on the right side of the trail heading toward the falls but before you get into the lusher part of the canyon.
Behavior: The bird responded to my pish, seemed somewhat interested in me and stayed in the same tree the whole time I was observing him.  I never saw him fly.  I preceeded up the trail but did not look for the bird on the way back.  I didn't (but should have!) made the connection that this was a rare species for where I was observing it.  McIvor's book emphasized thsi to me.
Habitat:  
Similar species and
how were they eliminated:
None of the other vireo species that I observed in the immediate area have the white eye or yellow lores.  I observed Plumbeous and Warbling Vireo in Calf Creek and Gray Vireo later in Capitol Reef NP.
Previous experience with this & similar species: Lots!  This species is one of the most common woodland birds in the Eastern half of Texas, it usually always responds to pishing if one is around.  I usually mark them off by call and go on.  the bird in Calf Creek never made sound.
References consulted: NGS Field Guide and the new All the Birds on the US guide.
Description from: Notes made later and from memory
Observer: Rhandy J. Helton
Observer's address: Route 7 Box 11-2, Jasper, Texas  75951
Observer's e-mail address:  
Other observers who independently identified
this bird:
None
Date prepared: 10 Aug 1999 (didn't arrive back in Tx. until late 8/7/99)
Additional material:  
Comments: Sorry, no photo.  My camera would not have been good enough anyway!

Voting Form (send in vote)
Request Form (request additional material, hard copies, etc.)

Go to Main List of Sighting Under Review