Records Committee
Utah Ornithological Society
   
First Round Comments
Year 2004 (records 1 - 25)

  
 2004-01 - Lesser Black-backed Gull

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 16 Feb 2004 Acc photos are very helpful
Ronald R. 14 Apr 2004 Acc Good description, adequate photos eliminates other similar gulls. The kelp gull is probably the most similar gull to the Lesser black-backed gull. This bird had brighter yellow legs and the mantle color was not as dark as would be expected for kelp gull. Also, kelp gull would not likely have as extensive markings on the head.
Terry S. 10 Feb 2004 Acc I believe the description given of the size comparison to a California Gull plus the overall description of the head, eyes, bill, leg color, and mantle/primary comparison eliminate other possible species. The photos, while poor quality, helped.
Mark S. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Although the photos aren't perfect, when coupled with the description, seems to rule out the other possiblities.
Steven S. 17 Feb 2004 Acc This looks like a clean Lesser Black-backed Gull to me. The dark mantel and bright yellow legs with a light eye with much duskiness around it are pretty typical. One other point that is not often mentioned is the size and shape of the red bill spot. Lesser Black-backs tend to have a large rather oval shape to this spot and it looks like this bird fits that well also.
Larry T. 18 Feb 2004 Acc The photos are a little fuzzy but they are good enough to eliminate other possible Gulls.
Merrill W. 5 Feb 2004 Acc Photos helped. The mantle certainly looks dark enough, and the size eliminates smaller gulls.

   

2004-02 - Upland Sandpiper

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 16 Feb 2004 Acc head and neck shape, short bi-colored bill rule other species
Ronald R. 14 Apr 2004 Acc Good photos clinch this description. The bill color (yellowish with dark tip) and color of the underparts safely eliminates
buff-breasted sandpiper.
Terry S. 10 Feb 2004 Acc Convincing photos.
Mark S. 28 Mar 2004 Acc The photos show an Upland Sandpiper. The behavior is a bit curious, could this bird have been actually nesting there?
Steven S. 13 Feb 2004 Acc The photos leave no doubt.
Larry T. 18 Feb 2004 Acc The description isn't very good but fortunately they got photos that show the distinctive thin neck, small round head with large looking dark eye and you can also see the short pale bill with a dark tip. I'm sure a lot of people would have liked to know about this one at the time.
Merrill W. 5 Feb 2004 Acc Nice photos

   

2004-03 - Rusty Blackbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 16 Feb 2004 Acc Nice photos
Ronald R. 14 Apr 2004 Acc Good photo. The broad buffy supercilium, dark cheek patch and rusty coloration on the top and back of the head should eliminate any female Brewer's that may have a pale eye (apparently some rarely do).
Terry S. 4 Mar 2004 Acc Excellent documentation and photo
Mark S. 28 Mar 2004 Acc The photo is definitive on this one. This I.D. can be tough, between variations of male Brewer's and female Great-tailed Grackles, and this would have been a dificult call without the photo. However, the facial markings and especially the color of the underparts, along with the small bill all point to Rusty female.
Steven S. 17 Feb 2004 Acc Very nice photo leaving no doubt.
Larry T. 18 Feb 2004 Acc The nice photos sure make this one easy!
Merrill W. 5 Apr 2004 Acc Photo confirms sighting.

 

2004-04 - Ruff

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Mar 2004 Acc Complete description and excellent photographs
Ronald R. 14 Apr 2003 Acc Good description and great photos, especially the bird in flight.
Terry S. 10 Mar 2004 Acc Incredible Photos Especially "B". Very good narrative
Mark S. 28 Mar 2004 Acc Again the photos really help what could be an otherwise difficult call.
Steven S. 8 Mar 2004 Acc Great photos make this an easy one.
Larry T. 17 Apr 2004 Acc Good description and excellent photos leave no doubt about this one.
Merrill W. 5 Apr 2004 Acc Nice photos and fine description.  Helps to have been there, too.

     

2004-05 - Least Tern

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 27 Apr 2004 Acc well-described
Ronald R. 25 May 2004 Acc This description (2004-05b) is sufficient to identify this species and eliminate other similar species. The original submission
(2004-05) was not sufficient to identify this species.
Terry S. 6 May 2004 Acc  
Mark S. 20 May 2004 Acc The first description was not very adequate, as we are not told what the bird actually looked like except for the white forehead. The second description is much better, and good enough to tell that this bird was a Least Tern.
Steven S. 17 May 2004 Acc Details brief but an easy bird to I.D.
Larry T. 3 Jun 2004 Acc Key field marks noted.
Merrill W. 28 Apr 2004 Acc (#2004-05) Description might have been more complete in terms of comparisons with other terns. But characteristics cited were adequate.
(#2004-05b)  I saw this one and submitted it. Naturally I would accept it.

   

2004-06 - Brown Pelican

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Jul 2004 Acc  

2nd round:

 23 Aug 2004 Acc Based on the background information I could find, I believe this is the same pelican that was picked up in Beaver. It is possible that this Brown Pelican was 'assisted' on its trip into Utah, however I  think that is probably unlikely, as they have been documented grounding on roads and parking lots, and there was a large movement of immature Brown Pelicans into inland western areas this summer.
Ronald R. 11 Aug 2004 N, Nat The reports definitely indicate a brown pelican. However, I am uncertain of the origin of this bird. Being found along the
Interstate Hwy suggests transport by someone--this seems too coincidental. I would like further discussion of this.

2nd round:

 21 Sep 2004 Acc  I will change my vote to accept this record given the influx of brown pelicans into Arizona and Nevada at the same time.
Terry S. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Convincing photos especially C and D. The narrative provided by Rick seems to show the bird made it to utah on its own and was able to fly after it was released at Quail Lake.

2nd round:

 28 Sep 2004 Acc I think there have been other Water related birds have mistaken a road or freeway for a body of water and landed on it.
Mark S. 20 May 2004 Acc There's not much doubt on the I.D., especially with the photos. There is some question about the origin, but even if the story of the found pelican on I-15 refers to this bird, it was found in Utah, so for the purposes here should count as a valid Utah record. Apparently, the ABA believes it should count for listing purposes as well.

2nd round:

 12 Aug 2004 Acc I'll stay with may original vote, although Ron makes a good point about possible transport. There are a number of confusing aspects to the story of this bird, including whether this is the same bird found on the interstate. However, we also now know that there has been a major invasion of Brown Pelicans this year in the southwest, including 30
or more on Lake Mead, so the idea of one (or more) showing up in Utah doesn't seem that unlikely. I think this bird was likely of natural occurrence.
Steven S. 15 Jun 2004 Acc The only question about this record would be did the bird arrive in Utah on its own. That probably can’t be answered with any certainty but I think it is most likely that it did. Therefore I accept this record.

2nd round:

 14 Sep 2004 Acc I think seeing now that there was a major incursion of this species into the southwest (AZ, s. NV) it is most likely that this bird was part of that and got here on its own. I’ve heard of records now in the Grand Canyon and on Lake Powell.
Larry T. 5 Jul 2004 Acc There is no question about the ID but I was a little worried about the origin of the bird. From what I've read and been told though the bird appears to have arrived at the res. on it's own.

2nd round:

 24 Sep 2004 Acc I don't see any reason to change my vote on this one. With the numbers of this Species just to the south this year I'm surprised we didn't see more of them in the state.
Merrill W. 18 May 2004 Acc Glen Barlow and I saw this bird the following day. It's for real.

2nd round:

 25 Aug 2004 Acc Seems to me there were two birds.  The one on Newcastle Res. was not the same bird that was released on Quail Cr. Res.  Seems logical to accept it again.

  

2004-07 - Northern Parula

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Although no description, nice photo.
Ronald R. 11 Aug 2004 Acc Clearly a northern parula.
Terry S. 9 Jun 2004 Acc While no narrative the photo is convincing
Mark S. 6 Jun 2004 Acc I'm not sure about voting for records where the only description is a photograph, but the photo shows a northern Parula.
Steven S. 15 Jun 2004 Acc The photo on the USFWS website is irrefutable. I do think though that the photo and it’s details should be captured from the website and put directly into the record, it may not always be available on the website in the future.
Larry T. 24 Jun 2004 Acc Certainly this species from the photo. But some sort of a write up would have been nice.
Merrill W. 2 Jul 2004 Acc "Bird in the hand" hard to reject.

  

2004-08 - Golden-winged Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Very thorough description.
Ronald R. 11 Aug 2004 Acc Very good description.
Terry S. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Excellent description from an observer that is familiar with the species
Mark S. 6 Jun 2004 Acc I guess you should vote to accept your own records - at least on the first round.
Steven S. 15 Jun 2004 Acc The description certainly describes this species and the bird was seen by an observer well familiar with this species and all look a likes.
Larry T. 24 Jun 2004 Acc A very distinct bird by a experienced birder.
Merrill W. 2 Jul 2004 Acc Description seemed complete. Head and wings markings were definitive.

  

2004-09 - Northern Parula

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Brief, but adequate description
Ronald R. 11 Aug 2004 Acc Description of coloration probably eliminates yellow-rumped warbler, with the yellow belly distinctively parula. Some features described do not solidify the parula identification: the crescents above and below the eyes are also on male yellow-rumped warbler, the parula is about 20% smaller than a yellow-rumped warbler, not the same size as indicated, and the bluish gray upper parts are more like yellow-rumped, but if the back was not clearly seen the greenish-yellow mantle might have been missed. The song as described, however, is distinctly a parula, not yellow-rumped.
Terry S. 9 Jun 2004 Acc While this is a rather brief description and no description was given of the bill enough description was given to eliminate other species. Nashville Warbler would not show a split eye-ring and white in the tail and wings.
Mark S. 6 Jun 2004 Acc I have some reservations about this record, as the description is a bit brief, and a Northern Parula should appear to be quite a bit smaller than a Yellow-rumped (were there other warblers present?). But size is difficult to judge in most cases, and the markings described fit Northern Parula better than anything else. The description of the song is also consistant with Northern Parula.
Steven S. 15 Jun 2004 Acc This is a barely acceptable record. The description is very brief and the bird was only compared with a Yellow-rumped Warbler. However I believe a Northern Parula was seen and heard. The description of the song is good.
Larry T. 24 Jun 2004 Acc Adequate discription. Seems to be an above average year for this species throughout the west this spring.
Merrill W. 2 Jul 2004 Acc Description was adequate.

  

  2004-10 - Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 9 Jun 2004 Acc As described, a juvenile YB Sapsucker is distinctive at the time year it was observed.

2nd round:

 22 Sep 2004 Acc Identification of juvenile YB Sapsuckers is more clear-cut than identification of adults by late fall/early winter. The description accurately describes a juvenile YB Sapsucker, and they are distinctive in November, as the only Sapsucker species retaining juvenile plumage this late in the season.
Ronald R. 7 Sep 2004 No, ID The description indicates a juvenile yellow-bellied or red-naped sapsucker. The timing of the record seems to suggest yellow-bellied, but it is barely past the time (only a week or two) when most red-naped sapsuckers would be expected to look more adult-like. Since the ID is based entirely on the timing of this plumage, I would like more discussion of the timing for this plumage before accepting the record.

2nd round:

 10 Oct 2004 No, ID Given the written account of a review of study specimens I forwarded to the committee members, I am still voting to not accept this record. I am voting for one last round of discussion on this issue of timing of molting. The most promising aspect of the review for YB sapsucker was that red was observed on the nape of all red-naped specimens collected after Oct 1. However, this reviewer also said that he would only feel that juvenile plumage was reliable for identifying YB sapsucker after the end of November.
Terry S. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Given the description provided and the time of year the bird was sighted (Nov. 8) I believe the juvenile bird was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

2nd round:

 28 Sep 2004 Acc I believe this record is late enough in the year that a juvinile Red-naped sapsucker would have changed into adult plumage.
Mark S. 6 Jun 2004 Acc The description clearly describes a juvenile-plumaged sapsucker, which should be Yellow-bellied at this time of year.

2nd round:

 8 Sep 2004 Acc  I still think this is a good record for Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Although it is possible for a Red-naped to retain some juvenile characters into the fall (though November would be very late), by this time they should be showing considerable adult markings, especially on the head. The apparent lack of red on the head is convincing to me, especially because Red-naped Sapsucker begins the molt on the forehead and progresses across the crown towards the nape. Therefore the red is usually quite visible on the forehead rather early in the molt. The red crown on the Yellow-bellied comes in in a difuse pattern through out the crown, so is not as apparent early in the molt, and in any event doesn't usually start to show until december or later.
Steven S. 15 Jun 2004 Acc Most Fall Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers reported in the west are in immature plumage. This one was described well and just the fact that a brown sapsucker was seen in Nov. is enough to rule out Red-naped and Red-breasted as these species are well out of immature plumage by then.

2nd round:

 14 Sep 2004 Acc I agree that an immature Red-naped Sapsucker shouldn’t still be fully brown at this time of year. I’ve seen lots of imm. Red-naped and Red-breasted Sapsuckers in the fall and all have lost this pure brown plumage by Nov.
Larry T. 23 Jul 2004 Acc  

2nd round:

 5 Oct 2004 Acc  I'm not a expert on Sapsuckers but from what I've read and been told this is the only Sapsucker that is going to be in this brownish plumage after early Oct.. This bird didn't have any red that I could see coming in on the head yet.Any of the other first fall Sapsuckers would have molted into some type of adult looking plumage by this date.Certainly on the head.
Merrill W. 25 Aug 2004 No, ID Too iffy.  I personally don't have that much confidence in calling a rare bird in Ut. this particular species in juvenile plumage.

2nd round:

 4 Oct 2004 No, ID I still am not comfortable calling this a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker based on juvenile plumage.  The time of year still doesn't prove it is this species.

  

2004-11 - Red-throated Loon

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 9 Jun 2004 Acc  
Ronald R. 7 Sep 2004 Acc Good photos and description.
Terry S. 9 Jun 2004 Acc Convincing photos and narrative
Mark S. 6 Jun 2004 Acc Good analysis of similar species.
Steven S. 15 Jun 2004 Acc The photos clearly show a Red-throated Loon.
Larry T. 23 Jul 2004 Acc  
Merrill W. 23 Aug, 2004 Acc    Photos aid in identification of this species.

  

2004-12 - Black-throated Blue Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Jul 2004 Acc The location is Foote Reservoir, Bishop Springs.
Ronald R. 7 Sep 2004 Acc Very good description of a distinctive plumage.
Terry S. 1 Aug 2004 Acc  
Mark S. 12 Aug 2004 Acc Good description of a destinctive species. Location and date seem likely for a vagrant of this nature.
Steven S. 2 Jul 2004 Acc A male Black-throated Blue is a very distinct bird that is easily identified even with a very short look. This observer is very familiar with the species.
Larry T. 22 Aug 2004 Acc  
Merrill W. 25 Aug, 2004 Acc Convincing description.

  

2004-13 - Northern Parula

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Jul 2004 Acc Excellent photograph
Ronald R. 7 Sep 2004 Acc Good photo and description.
Terry S. 1 Aug 2004 Acc  
Mark S. 12 Aug 2004 Acc Excellent description and photo - this bird is clearly Northern Parula, but I'm not sure I'd be so quick to dismiss the
possibility of a Tropical here! One can always hope . . . :)
Steven S. 2 Jul 2004 Acc The photo leaves no doubt.
Larry T. 22 Aug 2004 Acc  
Merrill W. 25 Aug, 2004 Acc Convincing photo

  

2004-14 - Great Crested Flycatcher

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 23 Aug 2004 No, ID I believe the description is not detailed enough to accept as a Great Crested. However, this is a very interesting sighting, since a "brighter", "large-billed" Myiarchus giving a "WeeUP" call could be a Brown-crested Flycatcher as well. I've heard BC Flycatchers in southwestern Utah, giving calls very similar to GC's.
Ronald R. 7 Sep 2004 No, ID The written description of plumage was not sufficient to rule out other Mylarchus species. In my opinion, the description of the voice does not really fit great-crested flycatcher.
Terry S. 1 Aug 2004 No, ID The description given was not adequate to successfully rule out an Ash-throated Flycatcher. Relative bill size is not a reliable I.D. Both species have reddish/orange tails. There are other plumage and structural differences (when taken as a whole) help separate the two species. While the described vocalization could be that of a Great Crested Flycatcher, a sound recording would be helpful in accepting the record.
Mark S. 12 Aug 2004 No, ID This is a tough one, and I'd like to see some discussion before passing it. The description doesn't really give anything to
eliminate Ash-throated (except possibly bill size) or Brown-crested. It would seem even more unlikely to have two of such a rare species in the same place. I would expect a GCFL to have brighter colors than those described here. We are left with mostly the call to tell this one, and although the description of the call sounds like GCFL, could it also have been
Brown-crested? I've heard them give rather strong, "wheep-ish" calls before.
Steven S. 2 Jul 2004 No, ID Intriguing but the description is too brief for such a rare record. I’m not convinced the bird(s) couldn’t have been Brown-crested Flycatchers which were dismissed by the observer as not likely as occurring here. I think that species may be more likely in Grand Co., Utah than a Great Crested.
Larry T. 24 Aug 2004 No, ID Insufficient description to separate this bird from the other very similar Myiarchus Flycatchers. The brief description could fit any of them. The Great Crested also has to be almost unheard of in the west in spring so to except that there were two birds (with a Possible Juv) together there better be multiple observers with a lot of Myiarchus Flycatcher experience or some good photos. As for the call Brown-crested can make some calls that are similar and they can be quite brightly colored but they shouldn't be in that area of the state. Ash-throated should be the only one there in June but birds don't read books and I believe anything can show up but with this description I can't except it.
Merrill W. 25 Aug 2004 No, ID Incomplete description of tail, breast, belly and head.

  

2004-15 - Whip-poor-will  (withdrawn - 22 Aug 2004)

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 23 Aug 2004 No, ID I don't think we can accept a first state record of this species without multiple sight records, or a definitive recording, etc.
Also the call as described ("two-syllables") does not adequately rule out a Common Poorwill.
Ronald R.      
Terry S. 1 Aug 2004 N, ID While this may very well have been a Whip-poor-will a sound recording would help in acceptance of this record
Mark S. 12 Aug 2004 No, ID It seems clear from the description that they heard a Common Poorwill.
Steven S. 2 Jul 2004 No, ID Another intriguing record but for a first state record on a heard only bird I think a recording would be in order. The bird was heard several times over a three week period; too bad they didn’t get a recording.
Larry T.      
Merrill W.      

  

2004-16 Harris's Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 23 Aug 2004 No, Nat Excellent photos, and definitely a Harris's Hawk, so I'd like to vote 'Yes, Nat = Accept, natural occurrence questionable', but that wasn't an option.

2nd round:

 22 Sep 2004 No, Nat This is a Harris's Hawk, but natural occurrence is questionable.
Ronald R. 7 Sep 2004 Acc Certainly a Harris's hawk from photos. I wonder about the behavior--is this an excaped individual? I am voting to accept since a band or other leg marking were not obvious, but I certainly could do another round on this record.

2nd round:

 21 Sep 2004 No, Nat I will change my vote to go with the rest of the committee. My original skepticism now pervades. The behavior is definitely not consistant with a wild bird.
Terry S. 1 Aug 2004 No, Nat While this definitely a Harris's Hawk, I really Question whether this is an escaped bird. It looks like something might be
attached to the talons as seen in photo B.

2nd round:

 28 Sep 2004 No, Nat I still reject this record for the same reasons stated in the first round voting
Mark S. 12 Aug 2004 No, Nat Clearly a Harris's Hawk, but also almost certainly an escaped or released falconer's bird. The behavior suggests a bird used to humans and water dishes, etc. The fact that there was no "hardware" on the bird does not rule out a falconer's bird, as most now use minimal or no bands, jesses (it's against the regulations to fly a bird with jesses or other restraining devices attached) or other stuff on their birds. Harris's Hawk is an extremely common falconer's bird.

2nd round:

 8 Sep 2004 No, Nat I'll stay with my original vote and reasoning - the lack of bands, etc. means nothing regarding the bird's origin, and the behavior says it all. This doesn't appear to be a wild bird.
Steven S. 7 Aug 2004 No, Nat There’s really no doubt this bird was a Harris’s Hawk. Natural occurrence has to be questioned with this species since it is so commonly kept by falconers. Even if all local falconers are checked the bird could have escaped from much farter away and ended up here. There is something definitely strange about the talons or whatever is going on with the feet. The talons look grotesquely long; maybe explained by captivity in a cage where natural wear could not keep them shortened?

2nd round:

 14 Sep 2004 No, Nat I think this bird was more likely an escape based on my first round comments and those of others.
Larry T. 7 Sep 2004 No, Nat No doubt about the ID but I would have to think that it is an escaped bird. For a bird that isn't known to move to the north away from it's desert range to show up in Salt Lake, I just don't see that happening. I think if one showed up in the southern part of the state we would have to look at it a little more closely.

2nd round:

 5 Oct 2004 No, Nat I'll stay with my first vote. This appears to be an excaped bird.
Merrill W. 25 Aug, 2004 No, Nat Definitely a Harris's Hawk, but origin in question.

2nd round:

 4 Oct 2004 No. Nat The behavior seems to indicate an escaped bird.  The talons are longer than would be excepted for a wild bird.

  

2004-17 Purple Gallinule

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 23 Aug 2004 Acc Very nice bird. Well documented, excellent photos.
Ronald R. 21 Sep 2004 Acc Great photos! Unmistakable. A few individuals of this species seem to wander extensively.
Terry S. 1 Aug 2004 Acc The Photos are incredible!
Mark S. 12 Aug 2004 Acc Great descriptions and photos - I also saw this bird and and agree with the i.d. Eric's description made note of the bright yellow legs, which eliminates the other similar species.
Steven S. 7 Aug 2004 Acc What a great bird and great photos! This record is hard to comprehend – why would a Purple Gallinule show up here in the middle of  the summer? Is it likely that it was a spring vagrant that decided to stay?
Larry T. 7 Sep 2004 Acc Great bird! Nice photos and good description.
Merrill W. 25 Aug, 2004 Acc No question about this bird.  Great photos,

                

2004-18 Zone-tailed Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 22 Sep 2004 No, ID The thorough description of this sighting was very helpful in reviewing this record. With that said, I'd like to see further
discussion on this record. Although there are a few details in the description that concern me (i.e. tail banding, no mention of leg/tail length ratio, flight style, etc.), I'm mostly troubled by the described behavior. Although, I've seen many Zone-tailed Hawks, I've very rarely seen them perched, and never seen them perched anywhere other than on night-time roosts, or near nesting areas. Zone-tails are renown aerialists, hunting and often feeding on the wing, however the description mentions seeing this bird perched no less than 6-7 times, before it flew off into the willows. In my experience, the described perching and foraging behavior would by atypical for a Zone-tailed Hawk (but perhaps accurate for a C. Black-Hawk?).

2nd round

 20 Nov 2004 No, ID I think is likely the Common Black-Hawk described and photographed in record 2004-30.
Ronald R. 20 Oct 2004 No, ID I feel this description more clearly describes a black hawk. The tail pattern (obvious white terminal band, broad black band, broad white band and rest of tail black) better describes a black hawk. Also, the brownish secondaries are consistent with black hawk.

2nd round

 20 Nov 2004 No, ID Without additional information, the description favors a black hawk.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 No, ID This is a difficult record to evaluate. The description given of the tail sounds like it might be a Common Black-Hawk, also the hunting behavior described (i.e. hunting from a low perch instead of soaring seems more like a Black-Hawk. The recent photo by another observer in the same general area appears to be a common Black-Hawk. In both cases however the observers describe wings that are not broad like those of a Black-Hawk when in flight. The legs were described as light but not yellow but this could have been due to the lighting. It would help if we had description of the leg length, tertial length, and description of the lores. I wonder of this was a young bird. I am anxious for discussion on this record.

2nd round

 13 Dec 2004 No, ID I still believe a Common Black Hawk has not been ruled out
Mark S. 25 Aug 2004 No, ID I'm pretty sure that this was a Zone-tailed Hawk, but I want to see a bit of discussion on this one, and maybe Merrill can provide some more information. The behavior of the bird seems so typical of a Swainson's that I wonder if it could have been a very dark Swainson's (I've seen some nearly black in color). Unfortunately, this wasn't considered in similar species, and the description maybe eliminates it on the tail banding, but it's not completely clear here either, as the description could maybe fit some Swainson's. Zone-tailed should have two bands visible from above, or was the tail only seen from below? Both Swainson's and ZT would have a broad black sub-terminal. Anyway, I like to see some talk about why this isn't a Swainson's before passing this remarkable record.

2nd round

 30 Nov 2004 No, ID I agree with the other committee members who feel that Common Black-Hawk was not adequately eliminated - a more careful review of the description shows me that this is a definite possibility. The appearance of a Common Black-Hawk in the same location less than 4 weeks later suggests to me that maybe this is the same bird.
Steven S. 8 Oct 2004 No, ID I don’t believe a Common Black-Hawk has been completely eliminated. In flight Zone-tailed Hawks are remarkably like a Turkey Vulture and no mention was made of this in the report. The pouncing feeding behavior was exactly like a Black-Hawk and not at all like aerialist feeding Zone-tailed Hawk. The observer stated that he went mainly by the leg color and tail pattern to decide that this was a Black-Hawk. From what I know and read leg color is not a separating mark and the Black-Hawk has a white terminal tail band as described, not the Zone-tailed Hawk. Another factor greatly influencing this record is the fact that photos were taken of a bird a little less than a month later in this same area that I believe clearly shows a Common Black-Hawk and is likely the same bird.

2nd round

 30 Nov 2004 No, ID I still don’t accept this record based on my (and other) first round comments
Larry T. 5 Oct 2004 No, ID The description sounds more like a Black-Hawk than a Zone-tailed Hawk. The described tail fits a Black-Hawk. The brownish secondaries also fit a Black-Hawk. If you saw the bird in flight overhead the best way to eliminate Black-Hawk would be wing shape, tail length and flight behavior. This may be harder to see if you only saw a side view of the
bird in flight. The two birds can be very hard to tell apart while perched.

2nd round

 13 Dec 2004 No, ID I still stand with my first round comments on this one.
Merrill W. 25 Aug 2004 Acc No question about the identity of this bird.  Watched it for a long enough period of time to see all the field marks and thus eliminate the Black Hawk which is the most similar.

2nd round

 5 Jan 2005 Acc I know this bird was not a dark phase Swainson's Hawk.  I still feel that the tail pattern which I described eliminates the Black Hawk.

   

2004-19 Yellow-throated Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 22 Sep 2004 Acc Although description is limited, I believe it adequately describes a Yellow-throated Warbler.
Ronald R. 20 Oct 2004 Acc Good description of a distinct bird. Also seen and identified by several other birders.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 Acc Good description effectively eliminating Grace's Warbler
Mark S. 8 Sep 2004 Acc Good description, I guess lots of people have seen this one.
Steven S. 8 Oct 2004 Acc Rather a brief description for such a rare bird but seen by so many that it would be hard not to accept such a distinctive bird
Larry T. 5 Oct 2004 Acc A great bird that was seen by many birders.
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 Acc Good description plus I was lucky enough to see it.

  

2004-20 White-eyed Vireo

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 22 Sep 2004 Acc Complete and accurate description.
Ronald R. 20 Oct 2004 Acc Good description of bird, and excellent documentation of song. My experiences with this species are similar to this observer's.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 Acc Excellent description from an observer very familiar with the species
Mark S. 8 Sep 2004 Acc Excellent description of a distinctive species by an experienced observer - the song is quite unique and well described.
Steven S. 8 Oct 2004 Acc A well written report clearly indicating this species by an observer very familiar with the species.
Larry T. 5 Oct 2004 Acc Very good description from an experienced birder.
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 Acc Description plus hearing of the song is convincing.

  

2004-21 Eastern Phoebe

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 22 Sep 2004 Acc This is a surprisingly early record for this species. The description fits (particularly the tail dipping) and the pictures
appear to show an Eastern Phoebe, but why does this bird have such prominent wing-bars? (A juvenile bird will show buffy wing-bars briefly, but should molt before fall migration).
Ronald R. 2 Dec 2004 Acc Good photos and description.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 Acc Excellent description and convincing photos
Mark S. 30 Nov 2004 Acc The description, especially of the behavior, is destinctive. In this case the photos proved a bit more confusing because of the presence of wingbars, and what looks like a fairly long primary extension in a couple of the images. I think the primary extension is only an artifact (it doesn't appear in other images) and the "wingbars" are a result of very fresh plumage, likely of a juvenile bird, which is also suggested by the yellowish belly. Nice fall record for this species - I
don't think we have very many from this time of year for Utah.
Steven S. 8 Oct 2004 Acc The photos and description leave no doubt
Larry T. 7 Nov 2004 Acc  
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 Acc Nice photos plus description of behavior are reasons for accepting this one.

  

2004-22 Blue-headed Vireo

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 15 Dec 2004 Acc I’m somewhat hesitantly voting to accept the Blue-headed Vireo records. I believe there is more to identifying the Solitary Vireo complex than meets the eye. Specifically, I think there is perhaps a lot more overlap between Cassin’s and Blue-headed Vireos (both genotypic and phenotypic) than is currently recognized. However, based on the current identification characteristics described in recent field guides (e.g. Sibley, NG, Kaufman) these birds would be classified as Blue-headed Vireos. They show dark heads, sharp back contrast, bright yellow sides and vents, white throats with apparent sharp malar contrast, broad tertial edging, etc, etc. which all point to BH Vireo. I spent considerable time studying Solitary Vireos this fall, and from September 21-27 I observed and photographed ten migrant Solitary Vireos in southern Utah and Nevada. Using the identification characters described in field guides I would classify six of these as Blue-headed Vireos and only four showed typical Cassin’s characteristics. Obviously this left me a little confused and questioning the ability to accurately identify these birds. However, I guess an alternative would be that it was an exceptional fall for BH Vireos in the intermountain west.

2nd round

 26 Jan 2005 Acc  
Ronald R. 2 Dec 2004 No, ID Distinguishing between Cassins and blue-headed vireos can be difficult as noted by the observer. I would like to discuss this record in a second round. I have concerns about the following: bright white instead of yellow wing bars, lack of observation of distinct white on outer tail and coloration that from the photos does not seem outside the possibility of a bright Cassins.

2nd round

 9 Jan 2005 Acc I will change my vote to accept this record. I agree with Rick's assessment of this identification problem, and given the current state of identification, this bird would classifiy as a Blue-headed Vireo. The most important aspects are the contrast between the head and white throat, dark gray head, and relatively high contrast between the head and back. Also, the color on the flanks is fairly extensive and goes into the vent area. It would have been nice to get a good description (or photo) of the tail feathers to determine the contrast between the edges and the centers.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 Acc Excellent description and photos eliminating other possible Solitary type vireos

2nd round

 20 Jan 2005 Acc The observer has taken great care in attempting to rule out a bright Cassin,s with a detailed narrative. Photos also show key key i.d. characteristics that distinguish this species.
Mark S. 30 Nov 2004 Acc Nice photos and description - photo C was particularly helpful as it shows well the throat contrast.

2nd round

 20 Jan 2005 Acc I feel much better about calling this one a Blue-headed Vireo than record 2004-28; there's much more to go on with more complete photos and written description. This is still a tough I.D. problem, but I think this one falls more in the Blue-headed camp for a variety of marks which were well noted in first round comments.
Steven S. 8 Oct 2004 Acc The photos show all the purported marks of a Blue-headed Vireo. Photo C shows the throat to head contrast well and the dark gray head contrasts sharply with the bright green back.

2nd round

 31 Dec 2004 Acc I’ll stick with my first round vote and first round comments
Larry T. 7 Nov 2004 Acc  

2nd round

 29 Jan 2005 Acc I followed this bird around for a few minutes before I felt comfortable with calling it a Blue-headed.It's not as bright as some of the birds you see in the east but I think a lot of the problem of separating BH and Cassin's in the fall is that most of the vagrants were going to get are HY birds and aren't going to be as bright and sharply marked as we would like to see. I saw two other birds in Utah this fall that if I was in the east I would call them BH but because of where I was
I didn't feel good enough about pulling the trigger on them.I just let them go as Solitary Vireos.
  
After saying that I'm wondering if this is a good time to throw a Ruby-throated Hummingbird out to the committee or not.
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 Acc Excellent photos are convincing.

2nd round

 5 Jan 2005 Acc The photos and description seem complete enough to indicate Blue-headed Vireo.

  

2004-23 Chestnut-sided Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 22 Sep 2004 Acc No description, but nice photos of an adult female or first-year male Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Ronald R. 2 Dec 2004 Acc Great photos. Possibly a fall female?
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 Acc Photos convincing even though there was no narrative
Mark S. 30 Nov 2004 Acc I really don't like records that consist of only a photo with no description - and the behavioral/habitat sections really don't add much to our body of knowledge about this bird in Utah, but the photos are clearly of a Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Steven S. 18 Nov 2004 Acc The excellent photos leave no doubt about this being a Chestnut-sided Warbler. It’s too bad though the observer chose not to provide written details with this record. This can be very important for the future in the event the photos ever become lost. We should always encourage full written details no matter how good the photos are.
Larry T. 7 Nov 2004 Acc Great pics.
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 Acc Photos are pretty convincing.

  

2004-24 White Ibis

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 22 Sep 2004 Acc Nice bird!
Ronald R. 2 Dec 2004 Acc Unmistakable. Only rejection possiblity is an escape, but no leg bands or unusual feather wear evident.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 Acc Great Photos!
Mark S. 30 Nov 2004 Acc Nice, well-documented state-first record.
Steven S. 18 Nov 2004 Acc The photos leave no doubt. I suppose there could be a question on origin but I believe this was probably a wild bird. There are precedents for this species occurrence in the west.
Larry T. 7 Nov 2004 Acc Good Description and nice photos.
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 Acc Excellent photos; sure doesn't look like an albino White-face Ibis.

  

2004-25 Whip-poor-will

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 12 Dec 2004 No, ID Insufficient information for a first state record.
Ronald R. 10 Dec 2004 No, ID There was insufficient information to adequately identify this species on the report form.
Terry S. 28 Sep 2004 No, ID I think we should require a sound recording for a first state record if we have no physical description.
Mark S. 30 Nov 2004 No, ID There really isn't any description to go on here. I think without a sound recording, a "heard-only" state first record is not
acceptable. The location is well outside the expected range for this species, and Common Poorwill is very common in the area - we don't know why this bird couldn't have been a poorwill.
Steven S. 18 Nov 2004 No, ID Considering the complete lack of details this record cannot be accepted. The call was not even described except that it sounded like a Whip-poor-will.
Larry T. 27 Nov 2004 No, ID I don't feel comfortable excepting a first state record with such a incomplete write up. There is nothing about how similar species calls were eliminated or even a description of the call that was heard. This may have been a Whip-poor-will but I can't vote to except it from this.
Merrill W. 4 Oct 2004 No, ID Probably was the bird (unmistakable call heard), but difficult to accept as a rare Utah record due to lack of other corroborating evidence.