Records Committee
Utah Ornithological Society
   
Status & Comments
Year 2000

  
3-2000 - American Black Duck

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Steven H. 20 Jul 2000 Acc  
  2nd round 11 Sep 2001 Acc  
Ronald R. 20 Jul 2000 D Description certainly fits black duck.  Would have been nice to note no white (or light color) on sides of tail.  My major concern is the origin of this bird - was it an escapee?  Wyoming record in April (1875) suggests timing consistent with other records.
  2nd round 20 May 2002 Acc I will accept this record since the date of observation is consistent with the expected migratory period. The description is sufficient
Ella S. 20 Jul 2000 Acc  
Terry S.
  2nd round		 8 Jan 2002 Acc  
Mark S. 20 Jul 2000 Acc Clearer view of speculum border (to determine lack of white border) would have helped, but other features all consistent.
  2nd round 19 Sep 2001 A cc With regards to the origin issue - the date seems consistant with a vagrant, and although one can never be too certain with waterfowl, Am. Black Ducks are not very commonly kept by avicultualists.
Steven S. 20 Jul 2000 Acc Unfortunately Black Duck records fall into the origin questionable category so timing becomes very critical in evaluating these records.  The description of this bird is good for this species and the time of year would also be good for migrating waterfowl so I tend to want to accept this record, which I have done.
  2nd round 26 Sep 2001 Acc  
Merrill W. 20 Jul 2000 Acc Just a note: Pasture where I saw this species has been drained so a housing development can go in.
  2nd round 2 Jul 2002 Acc  
Clayton W. 20 Jul 2000 Acc Clearly a black duck.  However, as with all waterfowl out of "natural" range could be an avicultureal escapee.  I accept the record as a black duck
Rick F.
  2nd round		 10 Jun 2002 Acc Decription clearly fits an American Black Duck, however it is impossible to determine wild origin.

  

5-2000 - Sabine's Gull

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 17 May 2002 Accept Excellent documentation. Typical timing for juvenile Sabine's Gull in Southern Utah, good description and photos.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Good photo and description. Time of year consistent with many other records.
Terry S. 7 Dec 2001 Accept Good description, good fieldnotes, good photos, right time of the year.
Mark S. 19 Sep 2001 Accept Photos tell all.
Steven S.  4 Sep 2001 Accept Photos confirm
Merrill W. 15 Oct 2001 Accept Long observation time, good photos, and pretty good sketch.

    

6-2000 - Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 10 Jun 2002 Accept 6/10/02 6-2000 Buff-breasted Sandp. A Description is good for Buff-breasted. From my experience, it is very odd to see one on a mud flat with other shorebirds, usually in plowed or grassy fields (many available near Garrison Reservoir).
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 7 Jul 2002 Accept The description is good for a juvenile buff-breasted sandpiper. However, it may not completely eliminate a juvenile ruff. I am voting in favor of the buff-breasted sandpiper as it showed no facial markings which would likely be present with a ruff. The observer noted that the bird was smaller than yellowlegs, but does not mention which yellowleg species were present. A ruff would be noticebaly smaller than greater yellowlegs, but be about the size of a lesser yellowlegs.
Terry S. 7 Dec 2001 Accept Fairly good description ,fairly good ruling out other possible species. Right time of the year. Behavior on mudflat away from waters edge is right.
Mark S. 19 Sep 2001 Accept Good description (with help from field guide?); this should not be a difficult i.d., and everything seems consistent.
Steven S. 4 Sep 2001 Accept The description fits this species fine and it appears the observer considered all other look-alikes.
Merrill W. 15 Sep 2001 Accept Good description, long enough time for checking out fieldmarks.

  

7-2000 - Prothonotary Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 17 May 2002 Accept Key field marks described, photo very helpful. Observed by many competent birders.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Good photo and description.
Terry S. 7 Dec 2001 Accept Good description, Good photo. This was a well-observed bird by many people.
Mark S. 20 Sep 2001 Accept Seen by many, photo tells all.
Steven S.  4 Sep 2001 Accept Poor photos but enough to confirm
Merrill W. 5 Oct 2001 Accept Good description, photo verifies species, plus numerous observers also verifies. No question.

   

8-2000 - Prothonotary Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 17 May 2002 Accept Key marks noted, correct behavior and appropriate timing. Nice clear photo.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Good photo and description.
Terry S. 7 Dec 2001 Accept Good description, good photo
Mark S. 20 Sep 2001 Accept  
Steven S.  4 Sep 2001 Accept Again photos confirm
Merrill W. 15 Oct 2001 Accept Good description, nice photo.

   

9-2000 - Least Flycatcher

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 17 May 2002 Acc A I'm typically distrustful of all vagrant Empidonax sightings, however based on Rob Dobb's extensive experience researching these flycatchers, I am inclined to accept this record. All key field marks are well described for Least Flycatcher. I agree that late September worn plumage rules out Hammond's, leaving only Least and Dusky as possible candidates. Again Rob's experience banding and researching the nesting ecology of Dusky Flycatchers gives him a unique advantage in discerning subtle characteristics (throat color, bill size and shape, etc.).
   2nd round 21 Sep 2002 Acc I again vote to accept this record. In my opinion the description is adequate to rule out similar Western Empids. Adult Least Flycatchers have very worn plumage in late summer and thus, contrast in the wings is not significant. Also there is overlap in lower mandible color between Least and Dusky Flycatchers, and therefor bill shape is much more significant than bill color. Granted, bill shape is a subtle characteristic, however I defer to R. Dobb's extensive experience with these species.
   3rd round 17 Oct 2002 Acc  
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Acc  
   2nd round 10 Jul 2002 N, ID Fall empids can be extremely tough to ID, especially in worn plumage. For the most part, the description fits Least but I question the late September date. Most adult Least migrate in late August/early September. I would like to have seen a better description and color of the bill. The observer may have seen a Least but I'm not 100% convinced.
   3rd round 17 Oct 2002 Acc Description is incomplete, but most key field marks except call were observed. Combination of short but not narrow bill, intermediate primary projection, large-headed appearance, and bold white eye-ring is sufficient to eliminate similar species.
Ronald R. 7 Jul 2002 Acc I am voting to accept this record, despite the difficulty in identifying Empidonax individuals especially in the fall. The large-head, bold eye ring, bill proportions, coloration and intermediate primary projection all strongly suggest this species. The observer carefully examined this bird, was familiar with the other Empidonax species and has experience with this species.
   2nd round 20 Jul 2002 N, ID While a bit uncertain in my initial accpetance of this record, I defer to the assessment by Steve Summers which indicates that two key points were not discussed in the ID: lower mandible color and significant contrast between dark tertials and coverts and light tertial edges. I, like several indicate, still think the observer likely saw a least flycatcher. But I don't think the ID is clinched by the description provided:
   3rd round 2 Jan 2003 N, ID I am voting to decline this record although is may well be a least flycatcher. The description does not fully eliminate dusky flycatcher, and perhaps they can not always be safely separated in the field in fall. I would like to have seen a description of the color of the lower mandible--if it were mostly pale, it would most likely indicate a least. The bold eye-ring is consistent with least and not dusky. The description of the bill is a bit perplexing: "very short but not exceptionally narrow". The bill of the least, while short, is rather broad when compared to its length (width = at least 1/2 length). The written description does not suggest that the bill was very broad.
Terry S. 8 Dec 2001 Acc Difficult I.D. but observer keyed in on right fieldmarks. possibly ruled out other similer species. while not entirely convinced, the observer's experience with Empidonax Flycatchers leads me to accept the sighting.
   2nd round 12 Jul 2002 Acc Given the observer's experience with empids and the diligence in separating out the possibility of a Dusky even though no color description was given of the lower mandible I still accept the sighting
   3rd round 6 Nov 2002 Acc  
Mark S. 20 Sep 2001 Acc Not that unexpected for the time of year and location - however, vocalization would have been better. Also, I would have liked to see some note on the color of the lower mandible (Least should be mostly pale) - but Hammond's likely eliminated by molt timing, although this can be affected by the health of the individual. On the balance, I somewhat reluctantly vote to accept.
   2nd round 23 Sep 2002 N, ID I'm changing (I was borderline before) to the other side of the fence in the judgement that we should be really cautious on fall empid i.d. Though all of the evidence presented suggests Least, I think more evidence needs to be given to be certain of this call. I would have liked to see more on the bill color.
   3rd round 9 Jan 2003 N, ID I don't think my vote matters on this one, as it seems to be heading for passage. I also believe that it's likely that the bird was a Least Flycatcher. So why am I voting no? I've always been a bit borderline on this call, and although the description is better than many submitted, and the observer is experienced, I'm still left a bit unsatisfied with calling this one, even after reading everyone's comments and the description many times. Much of the i.d. seems to rest upon a few assumptions/features which are not as clear as I would like to see. For example, the bill would be very important, but the description is a bit vague except as to length (however, I would think that a very short bill, as described, would suggest Hammond's or Least more than Dusky or other empids). More on width and color would be helpful. Also, the statement that the bird had very worn plumage doesn't seem consistant with the bold eyering and yellowish lower belly. Neither Hammond's nor L! east should have a bold eyering or really any yellow on the belly if the plumage is "very worn," since they don't have that much when the plumage is fresh, relative to other empids. Perhaps I'm being a bit overly critical, but I just can't seem to feel comfortable about this one.
Steven S. 26 Sep 2001 N Acc I know R. Dobbs is a careful observer and I think he probably saw this species. However I don't think enough detail was provided to accept this record on first round. The color of the undermandible would have been very helpful as would have been the color of the wings and how much the wingbars contrasted with the wing color. Often times this contrast is critical to Empid ID. I'd like to see this record go to second round.
   2nd round 11 Oct 2002 Acc After some experiences and reading and first round comments since my first vote I believe the description is enough to vote acceptance for this species. On the first round I was very close to voting accept but I definitely wanted to see this record go at least to the second round. Underside bill color can be very misleading and I now understand that bill shape can be more critical. Rob is very experienced with Empidonaces, especially Dusky and Least so I believe he saw a Least.
   3rd round 6 Nov 2002 Acc I still accept this record after my second round change.
Merrill W. 15 Oct 2001 Disc "Small flycatcher" without reference to size of other small Empids leaves me unconvinced. Any silent (and "small flycatcher") Empid during fall migration is tough to identify. I will wait on this one.
   2nd round 31 Jul 2002 Acc Reread the description. Appears to fit the Least moreso than other possible Empids.
   3rd round 6 Jan 2003 Acc I accepted it on the second go round. Same here.

   

10-2000 - Red-shouldered Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 31 May 2002 Accept Although description is not particularly detailed, I accept based on behavior and call. In addition, observer has extensive experience with this highly vocal hawk.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Description a bit limited, but persistent vocalization is very consistent with this species. Also, observers' experience with this species is extensive.
Terry S. 8 Dec 2001 Discuss Weak description, no information given flight pattern. The constant call sounds right.
Mark S. 20 Sep 2001 Accept A A bit slight on the description, but call and the observer's experience with this species tips the balance for me. Fits the pattern of increasing sightings of this species in Utah and Nevada in recent years.
Steven S.  4 Sep 2001 Accept Although the description is brief this species is showing up more and more regularly in S. Utah and given the experience and call description of the observers it is most likely they saw a Red-shouldered Hawk.
Merrill W. 17 Oct 2001 Accept I accept this with reservations. There is no mention of the wings or back during flight or when the bird is at rest. Banded tail, size and brownish coloration help. Have not heard this bird call, so was not familiar with the "caw" sound nor do I have access to this bird's call presently. Acceptance is based mainly on the observers' previous experience with this species and their confidence in what few acceptable fieldmarks they wrote down.

 

11-2000 - Black-and-white Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 18 May 2002 Accept Very good detailed description. I subsequently saw this warbler several times at Mathis Park from late October through mid-December 2000.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Good description. Rather regular in Utah in very small numbers.
Ella S. 8 Dec 2001 Accept Very detailed description given. Not a difficult I.D.
Mark S. 20 Sep 2001 Accept Good description - many people eventually saw this bird.
Steven S.  4 Sep 2001 Accept Good description and I saw the bird too!
Merrill W. 17 Oct 2001 Accept None needed.

   

12-2000 - Blue Jay

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 18 May 2002 Accept Very good photos clearly showing a Blue Jay.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Photos unmistakable.
Terry S. 8 Dec 2001 Accept The Photos are convincing enough.
Mark S. 21 Sep 2001 Accept  
Steven S.  4 Sep 2001 Accept  
Merrill W. 18 Oct 2001 Accept Good photos, poor description.

   

13-2000 - Red-shouldered Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 18 May 2002 N Acc No description or photograph.
   2nd round 2 Oct 2002 N, ID No description or photograph.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 N Acc I need a description to evaluate.
   2nd round 10 Jul 2002 N, ID I still need a photo or description to evaluate
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Discuss As written, this record is not acceptable. However, there is an indication of a photo. If this photo is made available, then I can evaluate this record.
   2nd round 17 Jul 2002 N, ID No photo or description to evaluate.
Terry S. 8 Dec 2001 N Acc It is difficult to accept with no description or photo. Maybe we can get more info to reconsider
   2nd round 12 Jul 2002 N, ID same as first round
Mark S. 21 Sep 2001 Abs Can't judge without photo or description
   2nd round 23 Sep 2002 N, ID No evidence to evaluate.
Steven S. 26 Sep 2001 N Acc With no description and no photo this record cannot be accepted
   2nd round 6 Oct N, ID Without the photo and no description there's no way this record can be accepted.
Merrill W. 18 Oct 2001 N Acc No description; no photos.
   2nd round 31 Jul 2002 N, ID Rejected for same reason as listed previously.

   

14-2000 - Eurasian Collared Dove

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 18 May 2002 Disc Description sounds good for Eurasian Collared-Dove. However, I would appreciate any guidance on how the committee handles possible introductions or species of questionable natural occurrence.
   2nd round 2 Oct 2002 Acc I've spent alot of time considering the Eurasian Collared-Dove records and have decided to accept them. The photographs and/or description for both this record and 14-2000 are adequate. Therefore identification is not in question. While the origin of any bird can be questioned, I believe it is most likely that these are wild birds. Collared-Dove occurrence is increasing throughout the western states, and escaped birds would be more likely around urban centers (rather than remote areas like Fish Springs and Blanding).
   3rd round 17 Oct 2002 Acc After reviewing literature and recent sightings of this species, I feel strongly that the recent Collared-Dove records likely represent wild birds.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Not A The description seemed to fit this species but I question the origin of the bird. Was it a valid wild bird or an escapee? An escapee seems more likely.
   2nd round 10 Jul 2002 N, nat Description fits collared dove, but I still question its origin.
   3rd round 17 Oct 2002 Acc  This species is rapidly expanding its range westerly across North America and breeding populations are now well established in portions of New Mexico, Colorado, California, and Montana. It would not be difficult for a bird from one of those populations or even farther east to fly to Utah. Should start showing up on a regular basis within a few years.
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Acc Good description and drawings. This species is spreading rapidly within the US and the sighting is consistent with sightings in neighboring states.
   2nd round 9 Jul 2002 Acc I am voting to again accept this record. While ringed turtle doves are kept in captivity, this species is not typically a cage bird. The gray undertail coverts eliminates the ringed turtle dove.
   3rd round 2 Jan 2003 Acc I vote to accept this record and my comments from the two previous rounds still apply. This species is not typically kept as a cage bird (unlike similar ringed turtle dove [S. risoria]) and thus the origin should not be an issue. This and the other recent Utah submissions for this species are consistent with the rapid expansion of this species and records in surrounding states.
Terry S. 11 Dec 2001 Discuss I discussed this sighting with the observer soon after his observation. I'm convinced he saw a Eurasian Collard-Dove. I'm not sure how to handle this species as a state first given yhe history in the U.S. and its recent expansion. I would like some discussion on this.
   2nd round 12 Jul 2002 N, int I vote not to accept until we settle the introduced species issue
   3rd round 6 Nov 2002 Acc I believe we now have a better feel for this species. I have reviewed the literature on the expansion of this species and believe this record should be accepted
Mark S. 21 Sep 2001 Not A I think there are too many questions with regard to origin to accept this species yet. It is still commonly kept as a cage bird in Utah, and many, if not all, sightings in Utah could be escapees. Until we have evidence of breeding in the wild in Utah, or established populations closer to our state (they're still hundreds of miles away, as far as I've heard), I think we should be cautious on this one.
   2nd round 23 Sep2002 N, nat I repeat my previous concerns about this species.
   3rd round 9 Jan 2003 Acc O.K., I give on this one. The evidence is definitely swinging in the direction of many invasions of this species into Utah, as well as into neighboring areas. I've done a bit of study on occurrences in surrounding states, and on how widely they are held by aviculturalists in Utah, and found lots of the former and few of the latter. Let's put it on the list. (I'll be looking for the ones in Provo this weekend :-} )
Steven S. 26 Sep 2001 Acc Collared-Dove A Although the drawing indicated that there was very little black at the base of the undertail Ring Turtle-Dove was eliminated by call.
   2nd round 2 Jul 2002 Acc I still would like to know that if Eurasian Collared-Dove records for Utah and Nevada are possible escapees why are they only turning up at remote and rural locations. I think it is more likely that this bird came from an expanding population from the east than from a local escapee.
   3rd round 6 Nov 2002 Acc Records of this species are turning up rapidly now. They have been seen in St. George (where we have been looking for them for over a year now) and Fredonia, AZ. I still think that the rash of recent records in NV, UT and AZ must be expanding birds and not all of a sudden a rash of escapees. I've birded in the west for over 30 years and until less than two years ago had never seen this species. I can't believe that this species is only a recently kept cage bird that is only now escaping.
Merrill W. 18 Oct 2001 Acc I accept this account with reservation. The crescent on the neck that is supposed to help identify this species was not mentioned. The undertail coverts, overall coloration and size seems to help in the identification of this species, however.
   2nd round 2 Jul 2002 Acc  

3rd round

 6 Jan 2003 Acc I accept this account with reservation. The crescent on the neck that is supposed to help identify this species was not mentioned. The undertail coverts, overall coloration and size seems to help in the identification of this species, however

   

15-2000 - Red Knot

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 18 May 2002 N. Acc Description does not adequately rule out alternate plumage
Sanderling. In fact, I think the description actually fits Sanderling
better. Red Knots are only slightly smaller than Dowitchers, and have a noticeably atypical round or chunky shape. In addition, the 'running
around' behavior, the white undertail and belly, black legs, and scaled
back all suggest Sanderling (rather than the typically methodical
feeding, white undertail and reddish belly, and greenish legs of Red Knots). Underwing and rump color would have been extremely helpful characters.
   2nd round 10 Jul 2002 N, ID I'll stand by my first round comments.
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
   2nd round 10 Jul 2002 N, ID Drawing looks like a Sanderling - knots are chunkier. Description mentions black legs which Sanderlings have, but Knots have brown legs.
Ronald R. 20 May 2002 Accept Good description. A regular migrant in Utah--seen most years.
   2nd round 9 Jul 2002 N, ID Upon reconsideration, I think Rick may likely be correct in assessing that these birds were sanderlings. The size being smaller than a dowitcher (red knot is same size or larger than dowitcher), sanderling behavavior and white belly all lean toward sanderling. Certainly the description is not sufficient to rule out sanderling.
Terry S. 11 Dec 2001 Accept Good description
   2nd round 12 Jul 2002 N, ID I appreciate Rick raising the possibility of Sanderlings. I certainly missed it on the first round. I change my vote.
Mark S. 21 Sep 2001 Accept Decent description (if brief), not a difficult i.d., or that rare in Utah. Should we keep this as a review species?
   2nd round 23 Sep 2002 N, ID Rick's great analysis has caused me to take a new look at this one.
Steven S. 26 Sep 2001 Accept The description looks fine as is the timing of this sighting
   2nd round 6 Oct 2002 N, ID Good one Rick, thanks for you alertness. I actually think these birds still could have been Red Knots given the experience cited for the observer. BUT the description given does not rule out a Sanderling and it appears, by what was written in the similar species section,
that Sanderling wasn't even considered.
Merrill W. 17 Oct 2001 Accept None needed
   2nd round 31 Jul 2002 N, ID When you look at Sibley's pictures of the two species (Red Knot and Sanderling) on page 182 the description and the picture given by the observer more closely approximate the Sanderling, especially the description of the underparts.

       

16-2000 - Red-shouldered Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 20 May 2002 Accept Particularly good description of wings and flight behavior/pattern
Steven H. 22 Oct 2001 Accept  
Ronald R. 7 Jul 2002 Accept Description good and observer effectively eliminated other species.
Terry S. 11 Dec 2001 Accept Very good and complete description given including flight pattern
Mark S. 21 Sep 2001 Accept  
Steven S. 26 Sep 2001 Accept This species is starting to become regular which is following a pattern in Nevada.
Merrill W. 17 Oct 2001 Accept Good description; verified by a bunch of others.