Records Committee
Utah Ornithological Society
   
First Round Comments
Year 2003 (records 27 - 43)

  
2003-27 - Red Phalarope

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 11 Jul 2003 Acc Another clean record with a great photo.
Steven H. 19 Aug 2003 Acc Good description & photo
Ronald R. 22 Sep 2003 Acc Good description and photo.
Terry S. 13 Jul 2003 Acc  
Mark S. 6 Aug 2003 Acc  An amazing record for this time of year, well supported by an excellent write-up and photo. That has to be an extremely rare photo, with both Wilson's and Red Phalaropes.
Steven S. 8 Jul 2003 Acc Amazing photo!
Merrill W. 22 Jul 2003 Acc The photo is nice because it shows the comparison between the Wilson's Phalarope and the bird being evaluated.  It also shows why it can't be a Red-necked due to the bill shape and length.  Obviously between molts, because the photo doesn't match any in the fieldguides I could find. 

  

2003-28 - Least Tern

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 1 Sep 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 19 Aug 2003 Acc Good description & photos.
Ronald R. 27 Aug 2003 Acc Excellent photos and description.
Terry S. 13 Jul 2003 Acc Photos and description
Mark S. 6 Aug 2003 Acc Nice photos and write-up. Quite an invasion of these this year . . .
Steven S. 17 Jul 2003 Acc Nice photos.
Merrill W. 22 July 2003 Acc Good description; excellent photos.

     

2003-29 - Bronzed Cowbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 1 Sep 2003 Acc The Bronzed Cowbird was seen periodically between May 9 and June 2, 2003. It was primarilly observed along 700 West.
Steven H. 19 Aug 2003 Acc Good description
Ronald R. 22 Sep 2003 Acc Good description. Photos also quite helpful, but red eye difficult to determing.
Terry S. 28 Aug 2003 Acc I believe the observer has given a good decription of a female Bronzed cowbird and eliminated other similar species.
Mark S. 6 Aug 2003 Acc The description is a bit scant, and, as described, the coloring of the body (lighter throat, etc.) is not as would describe a female Bronzed Cowbird (they seem somewhat darker brown and uniform to me). However, it's hard to argue with the red eye and heavy neck. I think that this is the second year that a Bronzed Cowbird has been seen in the vicinity of that Hooded Oriole's nest.
Steven S. 20 Sep 2003 Acc For some reason I can’t see the photos on the web site but I accept based on description
Merrill W. 26 Aug 2003 Acc Description was adequate.

    

2003-30 - Reddish Egret

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Sep 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 9 Sep 2003 Acc Excellent photos
Ronald R. 10 Sep 2003 Acc Sufficient photos and description.
Terry S. 1 Sep 2003 Acc The photos are convincing. Great record.
Mark S. 12 Sep 2003 Acc Photo says it all.
Steven S. 9 Sep 2003 Acc Photos leave no doubt.
Merrill W. 4 Sep 2003 Acc  

   

2003-31 - Reddish Egret

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Sep 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 9 Sep 2003 Acc Excellent photos
Ronald R. 10 Sep 2003 Acc Great photos and good description.
Terry S. 11 Sep 2003 Acc Outstanding photos
Mark S. 12 Sep 2003 Acc Nice photo, description; I also saw this bird.
Steven S. 9 Sep 2003 Acc Pretty amazing that there are two Reddish Egrets in Utah at the same time.
Merrill W. 4 Sep 2003 Acc  

  

2003-32 - Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 17 Sep 2003 N, ID Identifying sapsuckers can be very tricky in late summer, due to worn plumage, molting etc. Even typical female Red-napes can lack the red on the nape in late summer and look very similar to male YB's. Worn plumage can also influence their back pattern. Without photos, or detailed description of face and back pattern, I am uncomfortable accepting a YB Sapsucker record from this time of year.

2nd round

 26 Nov 2003 N, ID As pointed out by others, this would be very odd timing for a YB Sapsucker, and from my experience, I don't think that it is possible to reliably distinguish RN and YB Sapsuckers in late summer.
Steven H. 16 Oct 2003 Acc Description adequate.

2nd round

 5 Nov 2003 N, ID Description seems to fit a male YB sapsucker. However, the date is extremely early for a migrant and brings up the question of molt and feather wear. As Rick mentioned, female RN Sapsucker in worn plumage may not have any noticeable red on the nape. Some female RN Sapsuckers can have considerable red on the throat. I'd like to seen more discussion of this record, particular time of molt in YB and RN Sapsuckers.
Ronald R. 23 Sep 2003 Acc Description sufficient to likely exclude female red-naped sapsucker. Back pattern, lack of red on nape and red (no white) throat surrounded by black would be unlikely to occur simultaneously on female red-naped. Observation during early portion of migratory period suggests migrant.

2nd round

 28 Mar 2004 N, ID I am changing my vote on this. The time of this record (late summer) is troublesome as pointed out by others. Identification is also difficult between these two species during late summer and a positive indentification is be difficult. I would hope this record would remain in the files as a possible YB sapsucker as better field identification characteristics in the future may help better determine this ID.
Terry S. 11 Sep 2003 Acc Key I.D. marks noted differentiating the bird from Red-naped Sapsucker

2nd round

 3 Jan 2004 Acc This has been a difficult record to evaluate but I am still voting to accept this record. Concerns have been raised over the date of the sighting and that none of the field marks for adults are 100% reliable especially in late summer. Characteristics of sapsuckers are in a cline and there are some transition individuals that difficult place in one species or another. The description of the bird seen including the back pattern, the red throat (with no white) that is completely surrounded by black, and lack of red on the nape make me believe this is more likely a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker than a Red-naped in worn plummage
Mark S. 12 Sep 2003 N, ID I think we need to be really cautious with the i.d. of adult sapsuckers. I've read that none of the field marks for the adults are 100% reliable. I'd like to see more discussion of this issue, and some literature work regarding how to i.d. adult sapsuckers. The only positive way to tell a YBSS from RNSS that I've heard about is the molt timing and pattern from juvenile to adult plumage.

2nd round

 27 Mar 2004 N,ID I still don't think that there's enough to go on on this record to eliminate Red-naped Sapsucker.
Steven S. 20 Sep 2003 N, ID The date on this sighting is bothersome. As far as I know there are no Yellow-bellied Sapsucker records in the west before mid October or at least early October. So an early September record of an adult would be extremely unusual. I would like to have seen a better description of the face, was there a lot more white in the head than is usual for a Red-naped. Other than that the description seems to fit a Yellow-bellied but I’m reluctant to accept on a first round vote.

2nd round

 21 Dec 2003 N,ID Based on my first round comments and other first round comments I still don’t accept this record.
Merrill W. 4 Sep 2003 Acc  

2nd round

 29 Oct 2003 Acc I have had a chance to observe other Red-naped Sapsuckers since Milton and I submitted this record and have had a chance to more closely look at the fieldmarks separating the two species.  I still feel that the markings on the side of the head, the lack of red on the back of the nape and the black and white lines on the back qualify this bird we have described to be a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

   

2003-33 - Dickcissel

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 17 Sep 2003 Acc This bird was not relocated after 9/1, despite many subsequent searches.
Steven H. 16 Oct 2003 Acc Good description
Ronald R. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Good description with all key marks discussed.
Terry S. 22 Sep 2003 Acc Good narrative. This observer is turning up some great birds in So. Utah
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc Descrition is adequate to eliminate other possibilities, though I would have liked to see a more detailed treatment of what other birds he considered and how they were eliminated. The ones I could think of could be eliminated by various parts of the description.
Steven S. 20 Sep 2003 Acc A good description from a careful observer. House Sparrow is eliminated by yellow breast.
Merrill W. 13 Oct 2003 Acc Since I had a chance to observe this bird at the same location the following day I vote to accept this record.

 

2003-34 - Zone-tailed Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 19 Oct 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 16 Oct 2003 Acc Good description
Ronald R. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Good description and identifiable in photo.
Terry S. 1 Nov 2003 Acc It seems that this species may be more prevaleny in So. Utah than we ever thought
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc Good description - but I'm not sure that I could have called this one from the photo - although I think I can see some tail band and cere color.
Steven S. 26 Oct 2003 Acc The description and the photo (even though quite blurry) support this I.D.
Merrill W. 13 Oct 2003 Acc I accept this record based more on the narrative than on the photo, which in my opinion, is pretty obscure.

  

2003-35 - Heermann's Gull

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 19 Oct 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 16 Oct 2003 Acc Photos leave no doubt.
Ronald R. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Good description and good photos.
Terry S. 1 Nov 2003 Acc An excellent record especially with great photos
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc No arguing about the photo - too bad I missed this one!
Steven S. 26 Oct 2003 Acc Good photos and a good record. I also saw this bird.
Merrill W. 13 Oct 2003 Acc Nice photos which pretty much verify this gull as Heermann's.

  

2003-36 - Hooded Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 19 Oct 2003 Acc Description is very brief, but as the observer points out "no other warbler has complete black hood surrounding bright yellow face".
Steven H. 16 Oct 2003 Acc Adequate description
Ronald R. 31 Mar 2004 Acc A rather brief description with many details lacking. However, the head pattern of the male is unmistakable and the description of this was sufficient. The habitat was also consistent for this species as a straggler in the west.
Terry S. 1 Nov 2003 Acc While this is a very limited description the key characteristics were given for this distintive species
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc I really hate "unmistakeable" birds - the observers don't feel the need to write adequate descrptions. In this case, though, it's justified - nothing else looks at all like this bird
Steven S. 26 Oct 2003 Acc This is such a unique looking species that even though the description was very brief I think this bird was seen. The timing is also good for a vagrant record such as this.
Merrill W. 29 Oct 2003 Acc Adequate description of the "hood"; additional information on the tail and the behavior of the bird would have been useful, however.

  

2003-37 - Red-breasted Sapsucker

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 10 Nov 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 5 Nov 2003 Acc Bird in photos appears to be a pure S. r. daggetti and not a hybrid.
Ronald R. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Good description and photos. The bird does not look like a hybrid.
Terry S. 1 Nov 2003 Acc Excellent photos along with description rules out possible hybrid RNxRB Sapsucker
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc Good photos, description.
Steven S. 26 Oct 2003 Acc The photos certainly look like the southern race (daggetti) of the Red-breasted Sapsucker. I looked hard to see anything that might suggest hybrid but I believe this is a good record.
Merrill W. 29 Oct 2003 Acc Photos leave no doubt as which species this is.

  

2003-38 - Hermit Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 10 Nov 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 5 Nov 2003 Acc Excellent description and photos.
Ronald R. 28 Mar 2004 Acc The description was very well written and did a good job of eliminating a hybrid (hermit x Townsends). The photos were also very good.
Terry S. 1 Nov 2003 Acc This species seems to be a rare but regular migrant through Southwestern Utah.
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc This one was a bit more challenging, but the photos and the excellent description really help. I think that the lack of streaking on the sides and the grayish-ness of the wings suggest against a hybrid.
Steven S. 26 Oct 2003 Acc The photos show a clean cut immature Hermit Warbler to me. I really think this species is a regular Fall migrant (Aug.-Sept.) in the mountains of southwest Utah. They are found every year and are considered regular in Arizona just to the south of Utah. It may be time to take this species off the review list.
Merrill W. 29 Oct 2003 Acc Good description; nice photos indicate that this is more than likely a female.

        

2003-39 - Brown Thrasher

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 10 Nov 2003 Acc  
Steven H. 5 Nov 2003 Acc Description adequate
Ronald R. 31 Mar 2004 Acc A good description of important characteristics, despite a short viewing time. This bird is pretty unmistakable, especially with experienced observers.
Terry S. 1 Nov 2003 Acc  
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc Even with less than ideal viewing conditions, this species is pretty distinctive. I can't really think of what else it could be.
The date is good for this species.
Steven S. 26 Oct 2003 Acc The description fits this species well and though only seen briefly this is an easy species to identify.
Merrill W. 29 Oct 2003 Acc Adequate description; separates this species from the Crissal Thrasher which would be the other likely candidate in this area.

    

2003-40 - Blue-headed Vireo

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 10 Nov 2003 Acc The description is complete. I also saw this bird (on 10/4/03) and believe it was a Blue-headed Vireo.
Steven H. 5 Nov 2003 Acc Photos show a clean white throat, contrasting sharply with the dark head. I have never observed this much contrast with Cassin's Vireo.
Ronald R. 31 Mar 2004 Acc I am voting to accept this record, but certainly would entertain additional input. A typical blue-headed vireo is described and the photos seem to support the brightness and contrast between the head and throat and back. The bird looks like many blue-headed vireos I have seen in the east. I don't think Cassin's would ever be that bright and I did not find such a reference in my literature. However, if Cassin's can be this bright and have the shown contrasts in the neck and back of the head, then this bird may not be identifiable.
Terry S. 18 Nov 2003 Acc While some Cassins and Blue-headed Vireos can overlap in characteristics, the observed bird seems to be a distictive Blue-headed Vireo with a sharply contrasting line between the white throat and dark head. The bright greenish yellow sides, flanks and vent along with the yellow wing bars also lend credence to the sighting.
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc It would be nice to have cleaner photos for a state-first record, but from what I can see it looks like a Blue-headed. The
descriptions are good, and adequately eliminate Cassin's.
Steven S. 8 Dec 2003 Acc I think the photos (although quite blurry) show the brightness and patterns that make this bird a Blue-headed Vireo. Larry’s description adequately describe the contrast between the gray and green back.
Merrill W. 18 Nov, 2003 Acc Good description plus verification by two other competent birders.

  

2003-41 - Hermit Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 10 Nov 2003 Acc I also saw this bird and concur with the ID.
Steven H. 5 Nov 2003 Acc Good description
Ronald R. 31 Mar 2004 Acc Good description of a careful observation. Lack of streaking on sides should eliminate Townsends, black-thd green and possible hybrids. Observer's experience with this species and life stage important in knowing what to observe and document.
Terry S. 18 Nov 2003 Acc The observer ruled out possible hybid Hermit X townsends, also Black-throated Green. Yet another Hermit warbler sighting from this area of the state.
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc This is a reluctant vote, as I found the description barely adequate. But the observer's experience with this species helps.
Steven S. 8 Dec 2003 Acc Probably not the most complete description but adequate enough for a species which I believe is a regular migrant through this area and probably should be taken off the review list. The question of a hybrid Townsend’s X Hermit would be the only problem with this short sighting. I only saw the bird briefly, but what I did see didn’t make me feel that there was any Townsend’s Warbler in this individual.
Merrill W. 18 Nov, 2003 Acc Adequate description rules out other immature warblers; plus other competent observers verified this species.

    

2003-42 - Black-throated Blue Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 26 Nov 2003 Acc Good description
Steven H. 5 Nov 2003 Acc Description adequate
Ronald R. 31 Mar 2004 Acc Very good description. Females of this species when seen well are easily identifiable, especially when the white wing patch is clearly seen.
Terry S. 18 Nov 2003 Acc Excellent discription, timing is right. I can't recall another female record for this species in Utah
Mark S. 27 Mar 2004 Acc The description fits so perfectly could have been written from the Dunn and Garrett guide. Even in the fall female, the wing spot and facial markings are distinctive for this species.
Steven S. 8 Dec 2003 Acc A female Black-throated Blue Warbler is a distinctive warbler. The description certainly only pertains to this species. The time of year and place is perfect.
Merrill W. 18 Nov, 2003 Acc Accurate description.

  

2003-43 - Kentucky Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 26 Nov 2003 Acc The description fits an adult male fall Kentucky Warbler. This is an interesting and somewhat late date.

2nd Round:

 5 Apr 2004 Acc I believe the record adequately describes a Kentucky Warbler
Steven H. 8 Jan 2004 N, ID Might have been a Kentucky warbler, but the description is too vague to adequately evaluate. Since it was a bird in hand, were there any photos or sketches taken?

Larry Tripp          
2nd Round:

 5 Apr 2004 Acc This isn't the most complete description but the key facial features (while the bird was in hand) along with the soild yellow
underparts and the olive green upperparts seems to eliminate a Common Yellowthroat. The observer also has some experience with the species.
Ronald R. 31 Mar 2004 Acc Good description and observed under ideal conditions (bird in hand).

2nd Round:

 14 Apr 2004 Acc I stick by my original comments. The description of the partial eye-ring should safely eliminate common yellowthroat.
Terry S. 18 Nov 2003 Acc While the observer did not give any description of the relatively chunkiness of the bird or length of tail and did not attempt to eliminate a first fall Common Yellowthroat, I think enough description was given to eliminate this possibility. Fall Immature males Common Yellowthroats can be confused with Kentucky Warblers and variant adult males Common Yellowthroats show a thin yellow supraloral line. I believe the observed bright yellow underparts and olive-green back rule this possibility out, however.

2nd Round:

 13 Apr 2004 Acc I still believe an adequate description was given
Mark S. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Description is good, especially of the partial eye-ring, which is distinctive for this species.

2nd Round:

 20 May 2004 Acc I'll stay with my first-round vote.
Steven S. 8 Dec 2003 Acc A Kentucky Warbler in the hand must be an easy bird to I.D. The description is good and the observer experienced with this species. Since the bird was in hand it’s unfortunate that a photo wasn’t taken.

2nd Round:

 2 Apr 2004 Acc I'll stick by my first round vote. I think enough was described to eliminate a yellowthroat.
Merrill W. 18 Nov, 2003 Acc Pretty hard to argue with a "bird in the hand".  I would like to be so lucky.

2nd Round:

 5 Apr 2004 Acc It's interesting that no mention is given as to how this bird came to be "in hand".  I still accept the description as to its being a Kentucky Warbler.