Records Committee
Utah Ornithological Society
   
Status & Comments
Year 2013 (records 81 through 99)

2013-81 Broad-billed Hummingbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 8 Dec 2013 Acc Definitive photo.
Rick F. 5 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc  
Terry S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 17 Jan 2014 Acc Photos in hand of by-colored bill, throat and back coloration leave no doubt.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Great Record!
Steve S. 13 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 5 Dec 2013 Acc Wow.

  

2013-82 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  

2nd round:  

8 Feb 2014 Acc The photos, description and long observation time support this identification.
Bob B. 8 Dec 2013 Acc I am voting for this bird. However, I cannot be totally certain that it is not a hybrid. There is only a modest amount of red on the throat, and I almost have the impression that the red may be bleeding a bit into the side of the neck. Everything else is typical for Yellow-bellied.

2nd round:  

11 Feb 2014 Acc I still feel this is a Yellow-bellied rather than a hybrid. I wish we had a better picture of the back, but I don't see what looks like two distinct lines of spotting, and the rest of the bird adds up to a Yellow-bellied.
Rick F. 5 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 No, ID I believe the distinct separation of two bands of white spots in the back and the invasion of red all the way across the black malar are indications of potential hybridization with Red-naped Sapsucker. The photos do not show the
back straight-on, but we can see one band of white spots and, at our "horizon," a black center of the back. Red is visible all the way across the black malar in photos A and C, which is indicative of Red-naped ancestry and inconsistent with pure Yellow-bellied. The written record does not mention extent of red in the throat and whether it invades the malar, but this is evident in the photos. The written record mentions only buffy spots across the back, but I have tried to match up individual feather tracts with photos of sapsuckers from other angles, and I believe the black at our horizon is in the center of the back, not the bird's right wing. The written record does not attempt to eliminate similar species or hybrids. My understanding is that molt timing of hybrids is not well known.

2nd round:  

20 Feb 2014 No, ID The presence of red all the way across the malar is not expected in a pure Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The solid black band down the middle of the back, visible at our horizon in both photos, is also not expected in a pure Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Molt timing (among other traits) rules out pure Red-naped Sapsucker, but does not eliminate a Red-naped x Yellow-bellied hybrid. Several "Accept" votes seem to be based on molt timing, but I am not aware of any published information about molt timing in juvenile hybrid Red-naped x Yellow-bellied sapsuckers. Molt of hybrids is not addressed in the books by Pyle or Kaufmann, for example. If other committee members have access to this information, please share it with the group.
Terry S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc  

2nd round:  

9 Feb 2014 Acc I think the pictures show a yellow-bellied sapsucker in typical molt to adult plumage.
Dennis S. 15 Jan 2014 Acc Just a couple of observations.
In Kaufman - Advanced Birding - the timing of the postjuvenile molt in Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is much later than in its congeners. Thus any "obvious immature" sapsucker observed in late winter is a dead give away for a YBS.
Plus, the photos show characters which are consistent with a molting winter juvenile YBS - (1) a developing black "frame" around the emerging red throat feathers, (2) the emerging red crown with a scattering of bright buffy/white dots, (3) a more heavily patterned white barred back, (4) and the retention of the buffy/brown scalloping of breast feathers.

2nd round:  

30 Jan 2014 Acc Same reasons as 1st round - especially the timing of the post-juvenile molt.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Good documentation.

2nd round:  

3 Mar 2014 Acc I am still accepting this record as a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Nearly all of the plumage/moult/timing characteristics are fully consistent with this species. Could the genetic makeup of this bird be <100% yellow-bellied sapsucker, perhaps yes, but the characteristics (and overall phenotype) are overwhelmingly YB sapsucker in my judgement. This bird is undergoing the second part of its 1st prebasic moult and this may well contribute to the feather bleeding. With respect to the extent of a dark center on the back (this is difficult to see in the photographs), I believe its within the range of expected for this species.
Steve S. 13 Jan 2014 Acc  

2nd round:  

24 Feb 2014 Acc  
David W. 18 Dec 2013 Acc  

2nd round:  

26 Feb 2014 Acc The bird is clearly well on its way in its molt to adult plumage, so we are not dealing with "pure" immature plumage. I have read Ryan's concerns, and I certainly cannot discount the possibility of some hybridization in this bird's lineage, but I really don't see much to convince me this bird is significantly of Red-naped stock. The dark dividing line on the back is found on many immature Yellow-napeds, and certainly adults too, so I don't think this intermediate-molt bird's back is odd. The black border around the red throat looks pretty thick and solid to me, though I do see what Ryan means by some reddish color bleeding into it. But photos of Yellow-bellied sapsuckers on the internet (taken in the Eastern US) also show some of this bleed (or outright red).

  

2013-83 Allen's Hummingbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  

2nd round:  

8 Feb 2014 Acc Documentation supports Allen's Hummingbird.
Bob B. 8 Dec 2013 Acc This is excellent documentation for an Allen's. The extent of the green on the back is very typical for Allen's, but probably doesn't entirely exclude Rufous, but the characteristic tail pattern is diagnostic.

2nd round:  

11 Feb 2014 Acc My feelings are unchanged.
Rick F. 5 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]

2nd round:  

  abst  
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc I wish notification of this bird would have reached the Utah birding community before now.

2nd round:  

20 Feb 2014 Acc It seems the first round concerns of others have been addressed.
Terry S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc  Excellent documentation!

2nd round:  

9 Feb 2014 Acc  
Dennis S. 17 Jan 2014 No, ID I have some reservations with this one. It's true the features of the R-2 and R-5 are the best characters to separate Allen's from Rufous Hummingbirds. But when I read statements like - "Tails of the two species are virtually indistinguishable. "(Peterson- Hummingbirds of North America). This is as immature males, as our record appears to be. Kaufman states " even with good photos there is no absolute certainty you can separate these two as immature. There appears to be as much variability among species as there is between species in immatures. The amount of green in the back is also certainly variable.
Having said this I think we probably are looking at an Allen's. Could we see some comparison photos and measurements of the R-2 notch and the narrowness of R-5. What about the other measurements listed (bill, wing, tail). Are they consistent with Allen,s or are they inconclusive because of overlap?

2nd round:  

30 Jan 2014 Acc I spent the morning reviewing articles concerning the Selasphorus matrix identification question. The Allen's/Rufous issue has sure received a lot of attention and there are a number of excellent sources to help separate them. The Texas and Arizona Bird Record Committees have both struggled with this ID problem. Several FOS ALHU records (PA,NC, LO) give lengthy discussions of their process along with great photos. A photo documentation of an ALHU has a six photo composite of side by side ALHU/RUHU tails and shows the comparative narrowness of R-5 in ALHU. The extent of R-2 notch can vary some in RUHU, and the green back is so variable in immatures as to be not useful in separation. The amount of black between the rufous base and white tip in the tail feathers is apparently more in ALHU also. It's interesting that a single R-5 and R-2 tail feather is often removed for ID purposes and DNA tests.
After studying the issue more closely I'm satisfied the hummer is an Allen's. A great bird record for the State, and probably more common than we know.
Jack S.. 1 Jan 2014 Acc All measurements (included in this report) are consistent with SY male Allen's; shape and measurements of R2 and R5 exclude Rufous.   Great documentation!

2nd round:  

8 Feb 2014 Acc  
Steve S. 26 Jan 2014 Acc The tail tells the tale.

2nd round:  

24 Feb 2014 Acc  
David W. 5 Dec 2013 Acc Nothing like an in-hand photo of the key field mark.

2nd round:  

25 Feb 2014 Acc  

  

2013-84 Neotropic Cormorant

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 8 Dec 2013 Acc How long are we going to keep this species on the reportable list?
Rick F. 5 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc  
Terry S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 13 Jan 2014 Acc Nice photo.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Good documentation!
Steve S. 13 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 5 Dec 2013 Acc Again, great photo.

  

2013-85 Hermit Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 8 Dec 2013 Acc Very good photo
Rick F. 5 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc No attempt was made to eliminate similar species or hybrids, but photo and written description are convincing.
Terry S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 7 Jan 2014 Acc Excellent photo.  I have no problem with this.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Good documentation!
Steve S. 13 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 5 Dec 2013 Acc  

  

2013-86 Zone-tailed Hawk

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 9 Dec 2013 Acc  
Rick F. 5 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc  
Terry S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 25 Dec 2013 Acc The observers previous experience, the past records in this same area and of course the tell-tale photo leaves no problems with this record.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Good documentation!
Steve S. 13 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 5 Dec 2013 Acc Good photo.

  

2013-87 Baltimore Oriole

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  

2nd round:  

8 Feb 2014 Acc ID supported by description and photo.
Bob B. 9 Dec 2013 Acc Definitive photo

2nd round:  

11 Feb 2014 Acc My opinion is unchanged. [2 Mar 2014] I too would like to respond to some of Ryan's concerns regarding this bird. Obviously he has done considerable research on this bird. It is a problem when probably none of us has any personal experience with this species. Two or Ryan's concerns apply to the bill and the coloring of the underparts. He is correct in stating that the proximal third of the lower mandible should be blueish gray on a Streak-backed and black on a Baltimore. But to be honest, I cannot see what I think is blue gray in the photos. It appears to me that the lighter color near the base of the lower mandible is not the bill itself, but some lighter colored feathering, and what appears to me to be bill is actually blackish. Maybe my macular degeneration is getting to me.
With regard to the underparts being brighter yellow or orangish, I don't feel that favors Streak-backed over Baltimore, and may actually favor Baltimore. I have been reviewing in detail the illustrations and the extensive write-ups in the "New World Blackbirds" by Jaramillo and Burke and their illustration of the immature birds show a much brighter underparts on the Baltimore than the Streak-backed.
I will be most interested in any input that Ryan receives from some experts, but at the moment I still favor Baltimore. But I am certainly not to the point that I couldn't be persuaded otherwise.
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 1 Feb 2014 No, ID I've got to admit that this bird has given me some trouble, and the observer made no attempt in the written record to eliminate other orioles or hybrids. The first thing that makes me hesitant about accepting this as a Baltimore is the clearly serrated upper wing bar, with black centers reaching well towards or perhaps reaching the tips of the median wing coverts, a good indication of Bullock's Oriole. However, the lower wing bar, formed by white tips to the greater coverts, looks solid and distinct, not bleeding up the edges of the feathers, a good indication of Baltimore. The head is bright yellow/orange, a good indication of Baltimore. But with the bright orange/yellow continuing evenly through the whole belly, and not brightest on the breast, I wonder if
immature Streak-backed can be eliminated? I think that species would fit the pattern of the wing bars, but I have no field experience with that species. Regardless, given the Bullock's-like median wing coverts, I'm not certain that a hybrid has been eliminated here, and I think it's at least worth some second-round discussion.

2nd round:  

20 Feb 2014 No, ID I'm surprised that no one else who has voted so far in the second round is concerned by or even bothered to address the first round comments. If my concerns are unfounded, I'd like to at least hear why. After further study, I'm growing more and more convinced this is a first-winter Streak-backed Oriole. First, the bill is relatively heavy and straight, and with a distinct dark tip and pale base to the lower mandible, a strong point in support of Streak-backed Oriole. Both Bullock's and Baltimore Orioles should have pale lower mandibles without strong contrast between the base and tip. The underside of the bird is uniformly yellow/orange, including the lower belly and all we can see of the flanks, which helps rule out Bullock's Oriole, fits some Baltimore Oriole, and fits even more Streak-backed Orioles, which tend to be more uniform yellow/orange below than the other two species. Baltimore Oriole tends to have drab brownish sides of the neck, but this bird has a pretty bright yellow wash to the whole head, consistent with Streak-backed Oriole. As mentioned before, the black notches into white tips of the median coverts are inconsistent with Baltimore Oriole, but consistent with both Bullock's Oriole and Streak-backed Oriole. The bold white tips to the greater coverts are consistent with both Baltimore Oriole and Streak-backed Oriole. The tertials are barely visible here but seem to have very bold white edges, a mark in favor of Streak-backed Oriole over both Bullock's and Baltimore (but in this single view I wouldn't put a lot of weight in that trait). There is very little of the back visible, but what can be seen seems to have relatively well-marked dark feather centers on a yellowish/orange/olive background, also more consistent with Streak-backed than with either Bullock's or Baltimore in this age. A final weak supporting point is that the timing of this bird (late September) is consistent with the timing of a reverse-migration vagrant. Arizona, California, and even Oregon all have Streak-backed Oriole records from the last week of September. I believe the visible field marks, including bill patterning, bill size, median covert feathers, pattern in the tertials, pattern on the greater coverts, markings on the back, and overall pattern of color throughout the underside identify this bird as a first-winter Streak-backed Oriole, and exclude other orioles, including Baltimore Oriole.
Terry S.. 24 Dec 2013 Acc Wonderful photo!

2nd round:  

1 Mar 2014 Acc After reviewing other committee member comments and further review I am still voting to accept this record. The bill to me is long and sharp and does not strike me as heavy and thick-based. The bill looks a dark gray and I do not see a contrasting dark tip and pale base on the lower mandible. I do see a gray yellow/orange face and head which seems a little darker in the auricular region. The back looks a mottled brown with no indication of faint streaking or drab green that you would expect to see in a first winter streak-backed oriole. I see in the photo a uniform yellow/orange underside with a few areas more brownish such as the upper breast and flanks. Finally, in the photo I see two very prominent white wingbars on very dark wings. This characteristic does not fit a first winter Streak-backed Oriole..
Dennis S. 25 Jan 2014 Acc I've gone back and forth on this one. Initially I had several questions, but after studying guides and numerous photos I've concluded through elimination it must be a Baltimore. The stated large size, bill shape and overall coloration are keys. However, the underside coloration is certainly variable in this species. I've little experience with this bird group, and additional dialogue might be helpful.

2nd round:  

2 Feb 2014 Acc Same thoughts as 1st round.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Good documentation!
Steve S. 26 Jan 2014 Acc Nice description and photos.

2nd round:  

24 Feb 2014 Acc  
David W. 18 Dec 2013 Acc I wish the observer had dealt more with differentiating this bird from a Hooded Oriole, but the photos make the case, especially mantle spotting, orange tone, size of wing bars, and bill shape.

2nd round:  

26 Feb 2014 Acc OK, Ryan, because I'm a nice guy beneath this callous exterior, I'll try to address at least some of your concerns rather than just voting to ACCEPT.

I think the amount of black in the white wing bar is within (darker end of) the range for Baltimores, based on drawings and photos on the internet (some of which showed even more black). I also think the wing-bars are more consistent with a Baltimore than a Streak-backed, especially the lower one (which is quite distinct). Not only that, but this bird lacks the black bib/lores of a Streak-backed. The yellow on the underparts is an interesting observation, and most photos of Baltimores do indeed show a relatively brighter breast than vent area. However, some (few) photos of Baltimores do show an even, bright yellow, as on this bird. But I do not know that a Streak-backed immature buys one much in this regard. All in all, I don't see any other species besides a Baltimore that this record might represent.

  

2013-88 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 9 Dec 2013 Acc I believe this is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, based on the face throat, etc. I feel the photos of the tail only questionable support Ruby-throated. P 10 to me looks more like a Black-chinned and P 6 is a bit difficult to evaluate. But the throat is not a Black-chinned. Great find.
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc Again, I wish notification of this rare bird had been circulated more promptly.
Terry S.. 24 Dec 2013 Acc Excellent in-hand photos confirm this record.
Dennis S. 17 Jan 2014 Acc The "shorter" straight all black bill, bright green back, rounded and narrow P-10 outer primary wing feather, and of course the emerging ruby throat feather(s) are all consistent with a first year immature Ruby-throated Hummer. Convincing photos.
Jack S.. 7 Dec 2013 Acc Good documentation!
Steve S. 26 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc In-hand photos excellent.

  

2013-89 Red-breasted Sapsucker

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 9 Dec 2013 Acc  
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc  
Terry S.. 24 Dec 2013 Acc Excellent photos.
Dennis S. 25 Jan 2014 Acc Nice photos - no questions.
Jack S.. 22 Dec 2013 Acc Distinctive photographs and good description.
Steve S. 14 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 18 Dec 2013 Acc If this is a hybrid rather than a daggetti individual, it certainly is MOSTLY a Red-breasted Sapsucker. I suspect the daggetti race is the product of some "gene flow" anyway.

  

2013-90 Magnolia Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 9 Dec 2013 Acc These photos are essentially diagnostic. Great find.
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc  
Terry S.. 24 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 5 Jan 2014 Acc Photos are excellent and leave no question.
Jack S.. 22 Dec 2013 Acc Good description and photographs!
Steve S. 14 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc Excellent photos.

  

2013-91 Black Scoter

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 10 Dec 2013 Acc  
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc The record lists this as an immature female, but the written text within the record seems to indicate it was "female-type" i.e., an immature of unknown sex or an adult female. I believe aging and sexing beyond "female-type" vs. adult male at this distance is probably not possible, and the indication within the text of this being either an adult female or an immature of unknown sex is more precise.
Terry S.. 27 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 24 Jan 2014 Acc No problem. Good photo comparison with accompanying Surf Scoters. Seems like the commonness of the Black Scoter records over the past few years might make this species a candidate for removal from the "Documentation Needed" list.
Jack S.. 22 Dec 2013 Acc  
Steve S. 14 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 18 Dec 2013 Acc The photo is not a slam-dunk, but the written description cinches the ID.

  

2013-92 Winter Wren

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 10 Dec 2013 Acc  Great documentation. I have the sneaking suspicion that many of our old "Winter Wren" reports may well be Winter Wren and not Pacific Wrens.
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 5 Feb 2014 Acc Great combination of sharp photos and audio recording!
Terry S.. 27 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 25 Jan 2014 Acc The excellent photos and detailed written report leaves little doubt when separating from a Pacific Wren.
Jack S.. 3 Feb 2014 Acc The plumage (palest at throat, brown washed chest and flanks, pale buff primary spots, brownish upperparts, pale supercilium) lean to Winter Wren. The call also has a squeaky character most supportive of Winter Wren.
Steve S. 14 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc Excellent photos & write-up. And audio recordings to boot!

  

2013-93 Painted Bunting

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 10 Dec 2013 Acc There is no question as to the correct identification. In this instance I also see no reason to question the fact that this is a wild bird.
Rick F. 6 Dec 2013 abst [submitted record]
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc  
Terry S.. 27 Dec 2013 Acc Great photo
Dennis S. 15 Jan 2014 Acc No identification questions, nor with possibility of caged bird escapee.
Nice record and photo.
Would like to have seen it!!
Jack S.. 11 Dec 2013 Acc Photographs distinctive. Good description.
Steve S. 14 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 10 Dec 2013 Acc Good photo.

  

2013-94 Western Gull

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 10 Dec 2013 Acc  
Rick F. 8 Jan 2014 Acc Sparse description, but convincing photos.
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc No attempt was made to eliminate Slaty-backed Gull or hybrids, but I think the photos are convincing. There is a little bit of smudging in the white head that could be taken by some as an indication of some Glaucous-winged heritage, but I think the amount shown by this bird is to be expected in some pure Western Gulls. The reference to eliminating "HEGU" is presumably "HERG," the four-letter banding code for Herring Gull.
Terry S.. 28 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 26 Jan 2014 Acc The photos showing comparison in size, mantel color, bill markings, and leg color helps to separate this species. The darker smudge above the red bill spot makes me think its a 3rd year almost adult.
The somewhat darker eye leans me towards a northern subspecies. The lack of prominent neck streaks also is consistent with a winter Western Gull.
Jack S.. 4 Jan 2014 Acc I'm voting to accept this record based on the slate gray upperparts, white head, neck, and underparts, a large thick yellow bill with a red gonydeal spot, pink legs, mostly black primaries with small white tips, white scapular and tertial cresents, white skirt, and larger and bulkier compared to nearby California Gulls.
Steve S. 26 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 18 Dec 2013 Acc  

  

2013-95 Rusty Blackbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 25 Jan 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 16 Dec 2013 Acc Description and photos clearly show Rusty Blackbird. Great find for a CBC.
Rick F. 8 Jan 2014 Acc Good record
Ryan O. 16 Dec 2013 Acc Craig's photos only show one individual but I saw both of these birds on 15 December 2013 and confirmed the identification of both birds.
Terry S.. 27 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 25 Jan 2014 Acc Good detailed report covered all bases. Photos substantiate the identification.
Jack S.. 22 Dec 2013 Acc  
Steve S. 29 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc Nice write-up & photos.

  

2013-96 Winter Wren

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 8 Feb 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 23 Dec 2013 Acc The description certainly sounds like Winter Wren and the photos are supportive. The fact that the call notes of this bird were typical of Winter Wren are strongly suggestive also. But why did this bird so readily respond to the playback of a Pacific Wren call? I guess we will never know. I am still voting to accept.
Rick F. 8 Jan 2014 Acc  
Ryan O. 5 Feb 2014 abst [Abstain, this is my sight record.]
Terry S.. 30 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 25 Jan 2014 Acc This record is not as clear cut as some of the other Winter/Pacific Wren submissions. The photos are consistent with a Winter with a little imagination. The response the bird had to the Pacific wren call raises a slight question. But overall I lean towards a winter Wren as proposed.
Jack S.. 3 Feb 2014 Acc The plumage (palest at throat, brown washed chest and flanks, white primary spots, brownish upperparts, pale supercilium) lean to Winter Wren.
Steve S. 29 Jan 2014 Acc  
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc Nice discussion of calls.

  

2013-97 Chestnut-sided Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 8 Feb 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 31 Dec 2013 Acc Very good description, and appropriate time to expect vagrant warblers.
Rick F. 9 Jan 2014 Acc  
Ryan O. 5 Feb 2014 Acc  
Terry S.. 30 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 5 Jan 2014 Acc Observer has a definitive write-up, but why did he wait so long to submit the record? His apparent familiarity with the species is what helped to make my decision.
Jack S.. 4 Jan 2014 Acc With exception of the "brown [should be black] markings around eye and extending down malar", the description fits this species well.
Steve S. 29 Jan 2014 Acc Nice description.
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc I am puzzled by the description of "brown around the eye" (twice repeated), but otherwise the description is spot-on.

  

2013-98 Winter Wren

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 8 Feb 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 31 Dec 2013 Acc Excellent documentation.
Rick F. 9 Jan 2014 Acc Excellent record
Ryan O. 5 Feb 2014 Acc Great documentation. It's fascinating how quickly the records of this previously-lumped species are rolling in now that the species is split.
Terry S.. 30 Dec 2013 Acc Great photos
Dennis S. 25 Jan 2014 Acc If only all reports were as detailed and all bases covered as this one is!!!
Jack S.. 3 Feb 2014 Acc All aspects of the plumage (pale throat, lightly brown washed chest and flanks, whitish primary spots, brownish upperparts, pale supercilium) and structure are supportive. The call has a squeaky character. The spectrogram shows highest intensity at lower frequencies. Excellent documentation for a difficult identification.
Steve S. 5 Feb 2014 Acc What, no DNA sample?
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc Good write-up.

  

2013-99 Rusty Blackbird

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Kathy B. 8 Feb 2014 Acc  
Bob B. 31 Dec 2013 Acc Description is definitive. Photos, although of poor quality, are supportive.
Rick F. 9 Jan 2014 Acc  
Ryan O. 5 Feb 2014 Acc  
Terry S.. 30 Dec 2013 Acc  
Dennis S. 27 Jam 2014 Acc Even with blurred photos enough of the pale buffy marking are apparent. The report gives a good description of the best characters that separate from an immature Brewer's including lighter edged wing feathers.
Jack S.. 1 Jam 2014 Acc  
Steve S. 5 Feb 2014 Acc  
David W. 24 Jan 2014 Acc