|
2007-31 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
Adequate description, and although the photos are marginal at best, they
still add significantly to the record. |
|
Colby N. |
11 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Kristin P. |
9 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
25 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Good, detailed
description. Photos adequate. Nice record. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
What a great record!
The observer has done an excellent job in identifying this rare species. |
|
Larry T. |
18 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Nice bird. I am a
little surprised it took so long for one to show up in Utah with all the
great shorebird habitat around the Great Salt Lake. |
|
David W. |
16 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
An excellent record. |
2007-32 Blackburnian Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
No, ID |
There are a few puzzling attributes in the description that don't seem to
fit my experience with first fall female Blackburnian
Warblers. Even the palest females should have obvious streaking and pale
braces on the back (described as 'dark gray'). Also they all should have
at least diffuse (but obvious) dark streaking on the pale underparts
(sides and flanks), and two prominent white wingbars. With that said I'm
not sure what else it could be; aberrent pale first fall Townsend's? first
fall female Cerulean? pale first fall Blackpoll? |
|
2nd round |
15 Mar 2008 |
No, ID |
First round comments
still hold, braces on the back are present and diagnostic for all plumages
of Blackburnian Warbler. |
|
Colby N. |
18 Feb 2008 |
No, ID |
Without photos, I
find this record hard to vote yes on even though the observer likely did
see a Blackburnian Warbler. The head and underpart pattern seems to fit a
first year female Blackburnian Warbler. However, the 'gray back' is just
not good for a Blackburnian Warbler especially considering this is one of
the more distinct field marks.
Admittedly, the observer noted he did not have a good view of the back,
but nonetheless, the gray back is inconsistent with Blackburnian Warbler.
While less likely than a Blackburnian Warbler, I'm not sure a first year
Cerulean Warbler can be ruled out given the description. |
|
2nd round |
25 Mar 2008 |
No, ID |
Comments from first
round still stand |
|
Kristin P. |
29 Dec 2007 |
No, ID |
Record doesn't meet
criteria for a first-state record as prescribed by the bylaws. |
|
2nd round |
16 Jun 2008 |
No, ID |
This bird did not
offer enough information to the observers to earn my accept vote. While
the head pattern, colors and shape of the auriculars were good for a
Blackburnian, not knowing whether the back was streaked is troubling.
Also, the records need to address first fall female Cerulean and Blackpoll
Warblers.
On another note, Dunn and Garrett (1997) says this warbler has been
recorded in all western states except Idaho. I wish I knew of the Utah
sightings to substantiate that claim. |
|
Ronald R. |
23 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
A very detailed and
convincing description. The carefully detailed head pattern is not similar
to other species, particularly the
combination of the shape of the face patch, color of cap, and throat and
breast color and pattern. |
|
(Eric H.) 2nd rnd |
13 Apr 2008 |
No, ID |
I'm voting no based
on the first state record criteria and the ID concerns pointed out by
other committee members. I think the bird was likely a Blackburnian
Warbler. I believe the braces on the back weren't seen because the
observer didn't see the back. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
A great record. |
|
2nd round |
31Mar 2008 |
No, ID |
After reviewing
other comments I'm not so sure on this one now. Certainly a Cerulean
Warbler is a possibility. |
|
Larry T. |
14 Dec 2007 |
No, ID |
There are a couple
things I don't like about this description. The lack of a comparison to a
first fall Cerulean Warbler which to me can be the most similar looking
Warbler. Most fall Cerulean reports in California turn out to be
Blackburnian's because of their similarities.
The lack of a description of the upper back other than gray/greenish also
bothers me. The pale braces along with dark streaks on the back are
diagnostic for Blackburnian and should be seen ( if you see the back )even
on a HY female.
My refusal to accept this record is solely based on the incomplete
description. |
|
2nd round |
8 Jun 2008 |
No, ID |
I think a better
description is needed for a first Fall female without a photo. |
|
David W. |
18 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
I am a bit troubled by the descriptions of the back and wing bars (seems
like the wing bars in this species are usu both
prominent), but the face pattern is distinctive. I know the observer to be
a birder of some experience. |
|
2nd round |
6 Apr 2008 |
Acc |
I still think the
description of the face is diagnostic, eliminating the Cerulean warbler:
"cheek patch separated from the dark upperparts by a pale area extending
behind the patch from the eyebrow to the throat. The patch formed a point
on the lower edge behind the eye"
I do not think the lack of "braces" is significant because this is
described as an immature female, not male. The braces on an immature
female Blackburnian are vague, and therefore easily overlooked in the view
angle described by the observer.
[The fact that I twice spent an afternoon frittering away my annual leave
while fruitlessly waiting for this species to show up will not persuade me
to vote against, even if it means Mark maintaining his lead on me on his
Utah list. Not, mind you, that I am bitter..., of course.] |
2007-33 Blackpoll Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Colby N. |
11 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
Great photos |
|
Kristin P. |
29 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
23 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Excellent photos and
good description. Both eliminate similar Cape May. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
18 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
23 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
Very good use of the Similar Species section. Amazing photos. |
2007-34 Long-tailed Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Colby N. |
11 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
Great photos |
|
Kristin P. |
30 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
I didn't think a straightforward
ID of a juvenile jaeger was possible until this record, thanks to Rick's
detailed observations,
fine art photos, and Tim's flight shots. Made me wish I was out there in a
kayak with Rick when he took these images. |
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Excellent photos and
description clearly define this species. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Well documented with
great photos |
|
Larry T. |
18 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
23 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
Nicely documented record in this notoriously difficult genus. |
2007-35 Ruff
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
Nice thorough description of a juvenile Ruff |
|
Colby N. |
11 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
Sufficient
description...would have liked a description of the overall shape of the
bird as well as a more detailed description of the scapular and tertial
feathers...but nonetheless the description seems to eliminate similar
species such as juv. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper as
well both yellowlegs even though these were not mentioned in the record |
|
Kristin P. |
31 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Nice description and
effective discussion to eliminate buff-breasted. White on upper tail
coverts distinctive relative to
buff-breasted. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
This is well
documented. Good description |
|
Larry T. |
14 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Good description to
eliminate similar species. |
|
David W. |
29 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
I would have preferred a more rigorous handling of the Similar Species
portion (Red knots, etc), but I am convinced nonetheless. |
2007-36 Cape May Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Colby N.. |
11 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
Good photos and
description seem to eliminate all other possibilities |
|
Kristin P. |
31 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Very nice
description and photos are sufficient for this sometimes difficult ID. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Great photos and
well documented. |
|
Larry T. |
14 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
2 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Good job on the written description to supplement the photos. |
2007-37 Palm Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
Brief but complete description of a fall western Palm Warbler |
|
Colby N. |
11 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
While the
description of the bird is very brief and lacks detail, similar species
such as Pine Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, etc. that are not mentioned in
the written record seem like they can be eliminated by the few plumage
details noted and/or the tail pumping behavior. |
|
Kristin P. |
30 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
A minimal
description, but sufficient details to rule out other species. Tail
pumping distinctive to eliminate similar species. |
|
Terry S. |
21 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
A brief but adequate
description. |
|
Larry T. |
14 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Good description of
a distinct Warbler. |
|
David W. |
15 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Barely adequate description does include the important field marks. |
2007-38 Purple Finch
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
22 Aug 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Kristin P. |
3 Jan 2008 |
No, ID |
Record doesn't meet
criteria for a first-state record as prescribed by the bylaws. |
|
2nd round: |
16 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
"Pik" flight call
and call notes convincing for ID, along with olive wash on head, buffy/olive
wash on upperparts. Lack of obvious streaking on undertail coverts and
streaking pattern on sides of breast good for Purple Finch.
And a sixth one I've done since this morning's submission: |
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
This is a well
written description that eliminates the similar Cassin's finch. The
description of the breast and the call and
flight notes are sufficient to rule out Cassin's finch. I would be nice to
have a second submission for this bird (from Larry). |
|
Eric H. - 2nd rnd: |
19 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
Description
eliminates similar species. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Finally an
acceptable Purple Finch record! Great documentation. |
|
2nd round: |
22 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Colby N. |
9 Jun 2008 |
No, ID |
I have been very
conflicted as how to vote on this record. So I guess I'll send this record
to the second round as I'd imagine most others voted yes for very
legitimate reasons. Even though this is not an easy ID, this is very good
record as the observers carefully noted field marks and most importantly
the calls given by the bird. I agree with the observers, the flight call
is probably the best solid ID mark noted. And it's not that I don't trust
the observers either, but I have a really hard time accepting records
without photos/recording/etc. It just doesn't seem very scientific to say
I trust one observer more than another when even the most competent
observers make mistakes. I will probably vote yes on this record in the
second round, and I know numerous record committees have similar
guidelines as ours, but I believe most official country lists require
photos/recordings/etc. for records to become official and I'm not sure why
we don't do the same? I suspect most answers will be...good records will
be lost...but what about David's new category for such cases? Maybe that
will just make a mess. |
|
2nd round: |
22 Jun 2008 |
No, ID |
In order to be
consistent, I would still like a recording or photos on a record such as
this. Record will be accepted regardless of my view, and I do agree with
others that this about as good of a description of field marks, and most
importantly the flight call as you can have...and it's from competent
observers. |
|
Larry T. |
27 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
I have seen a lot of
the californicus race of Purple Finch while living in California. As soon
as I saw this bird I didn't have a
problem with the ID. |
|
2nd round: |
23 Sep 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
3 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
I was prepared to be very skeptical, but the remarkable list of critical
field marks leaves me with no doubt. Outstanding record. |
|
2nd round: |
2 Jul 2008 |
Acc |
|
2007-39 Red-breasted Sapsucker
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
30 Oct 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Eric H.. |
15 Feb 2008 |
Acc |
Great photos. I
believe this is a Red-breasted Sapsucker. I am unsure of where the line is
drawn between S. r. ruber and S. r. daggetti. I will study it further if I
need to. (?) |
|
Kristin P. |
5 Jan 2007 |
Acc |
An S. r. ruber's
appearance in Utah is remarkable considering the sedentary nature of this
subspecies. All ruber characters fell into place in Rick's description and
multiple photos, except I expected the black and white head pattern on the
side of the face to be more obscured by red than this bird shows. The fact
that it's as visible as it is seems to fit a daggetti better.
Rick's noting seven sightings since 2003 (and the bird presently
sojourning in Springdale is not included in that number) caught my
attention. If the trend continues, this species may be a future candidate
for removal from the review list. Would we opt to remove a species where
one subspecies (daggetti) occurs in small numbers with regularity while
the other's (ruber) appearance is quite notable? |
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Nicely documented
record, and the photos appear to rule out a hybrid. |
|
Terry S. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Great Photos! |
|
Larry T. |
27 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
We seem to be
getting 1 or 2 of this annually lately in S.W. Utah. |
|
David W. |
15 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Good photos. |
2007-40 Black Scoter
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Eric H. |
30 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
I think I will make
this record my first vote. There is no way I can get this one wrong. Great
Photos. |
|
Kristin P. |
5 Jan 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
25 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Adequate description
and good photos. |
|
Terry S. |
11 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
27 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
15 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Wonderful photos. |
2007-41 Red-throated Loon
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Eric H. |
30 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
"Dark eye prominent
on face" and "dark throat with reddish patch below chin" should separate
this from Pacific Loon. |
|
Kristin P. |
7 Jan 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
25 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Nice description and
usable photos. |
|
Terry S. |
11 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
27 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
15 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Red cheek & white speckling. |
2007-42 Black Scoter
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
8 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Eric H. |
30 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Kristin P. |
5 Jan 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
25 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Good record and
photo. It seems time to remove this species from the review list as
individuals are seen almost yearly in Utah. |
|
Terry S. |
11 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
27 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
This may be the next
bird to take off the list. There seems to be several in the state each
fall. |
|
David W. |
15 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
2007-43 Blackpoll Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
1 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Very brief and limited description but adequate for this very distinctive
alternate plumaged species. |
|
Eric H. |
30 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
observer familiar
with species, described distinctive adult male plumage. |
|
Kristin P. |
29 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Nice description of
distinctive plumage. |
|
Terry S. |
2 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
29 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
15 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
|
2007-44 Baird's Sparrow
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
14 Mar 2008 |
No, ID |
I don't believe a Savannah Sparrow was definitively ruled out. They can
show a similar head, back, and breast pattern; serveral subspecies often
show a yellowish cast across their head and face; and Western subspecies
show pale outer retrices. I'm not sure the secretive nature of this bird
fits a Savannah Sparrow, but as Sibley states "any species of sparrow can
be secretive". |
|
2nd round: |
22 Aug 2008 |
No, ID |
I don't believe a
'brief view in flight' and 'partial view' in the grass is sufficient to
add this species to the Utah list. I believe we need a more thorough
description of the entire bird to definitively separate this from other
sparrows. All of the behavioural characters noted, while good for Baird's
Sparrow, can be commonly ecountered from several species of sparrow. |
|
Eric H. |
5 Mar 2008 |
No, ID |
It sounds like the
observer may have just seen enough to separate it from other Sparrows. But
based on the description in the record and in the observers post to
birdnet shortly after the sighting, I don't believe the bird was seen well
enough (brief views in flight and partial view on ground) to meet the
tighter standards we have in our guidelines for a first state record. |
|
2nd round: |
19 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
I believe other
sparrows were ruled out. Good description of what observer was able to
see. |
|
Kristin P. |
8 Jun 2008 |
No, ID |
Record doesn't meet
criteria for a first-state record as prescribed by bylaws. |
|
2nd round: |
16 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
Distinct behavior of
flushing at the last minute and at close range then apparently running to
a new location through the grass are excellent indicators of this species.
Yellow cast to head and head pattern convincing; good choices of species
to eliminate. I couldn't find any reference that described a Savannah
Sparrow subspecies with a yellow-tinged head; Rick, please elaborate. Of
particular significance to me was this statement from Beadle and Rising,
2003, p129: "Baird's Sparrows appear flat-headed and large-billed; the
entire head is washed with yellow ochre, and with a buffy ochre
crown-stripe; territorial Baird's Sparrows are rather easy to see, but
otherwise they are secretive and hard to flush, unlike Savannah Sparrows."
I did see one reference that suggested juvenile Baird's and Savannahs can
look similar, but the preponderance of information was consistent with
Larry's description of a Baird's. |
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
This is a minimal
description, but I think the most critical field marks were observed. The
behavior is certainly not consistent
with savannah sparrow (most similar colorwise) and fits this species. |
|
(Colby N.) 2nd rnd: |
2 Jul 2008 |
No ID |
Agree with Rick that
I think a more detailed description, good prolonged views or photos are
absolutely necessary for a record such as this...including the field marks
that ruled out
Savannah Sparrow (including the various subspecies). I don't think
the behavior of the bird eliminates Savannah Sparrow as almost any sparrow
in a grassy field will spook in the pattern described. |
|
Terry S. |
2 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
Very good
description given including behavior |
|
2nd round: |
22 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
29 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
Given the bylaws I
guess the only list this one can be added to is my own. Still I did think
that it was important to submit a
record of this sighting anyway. Because of the secretive nature of this
species good luck trying to get physical evidence without a net. |
|
2nd round: |
23 Sep 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
3 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
I wish the description of the "Dark spots on the rear of the auricular"
had been more precise. How many spots? Was it two or a half dozen?
Likewise, was the crown stripe broad or narrow and how yellowish was it?
Etc.
I appreciate how difficult this species is to observe well, and so the
amount of detail provided is laudable, obviously representing much
patience and effort, yet I am voting to accept only reluctantly because
the language used to describe the bird was somewhat vague. However, I
think it is sufficient. |
|
2nd round: |
2 Jul 2008 |
Acc |
|
2007-45 Palm Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
1 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
This bird remained through at least 11/27/07. |
|
Eric H. |
30 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
Great photos;
observer familiar with species; other observers. |
|
Kristin P. |
30 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
1 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Nice description and
photos. |
|
Terry S. |
2 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
Good photos |
|
Larry T. |
29 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
29 Nov 2007 |
Acc |
Great photos, as usual from Tim. |
2007-46 Pine Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Rick F. |
1 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
|
|
Kristin P. |
8 Jun 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
Ronald R. |
24 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Nice detailed
description and very good photos, particularly of underside of tail. |
|
Terry S. |
2 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
convincing photos
and narrative |
|
Eric H. |
30 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
Two well written
sight records eliminating similar species. Good photos showing the needed
field marks. Great first state
record! It can be a hard species to ID. I'm glad we had such good
documentation. |
|
Larry T. |
29 Jan 2008 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
2 Dec 2007 |
Acc |
Another fine record from Lytle Ranch. |
|
