|
2017-01
Eastern Bluebird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
25 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Well-documented eastern vagrant! |
|
Stephanie
G. |
7 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Pretty straightforward sighting, widely
photographed. |
|
Dennis S. |
4 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
No questions. Good documentation, photos and
multiple observers over several days. |
|
Steve S. |
14 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Good documentation. |
|
Larry T. |
22 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
8 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Lovely birds seen by very many birders
over many days. |
|
Kevin
W. |
15 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show Eastern Bluebirds. |
2017-02
Iceland Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
4 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
10 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm changing my vote. The darkish eye and wing
tips cast too much doubt as to the ID. |
|
3rd round: |
20 May 2017 |
No, ID |
No additional comments. |
|
Kenny F. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Pale wingtips and head and bill structure look
good for a Kumlien Iceland Gull. |
|
2nd round: |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Still voting yes on this record. The wingtips
are too pale for a Thayer's Gull.
Also these additional pictures here from the Gulls of the Americas book
shows 2 Kumlien's Gulls that wingtips as dark or darker than this bird.
http://i67.tinypic.com/14cvehy.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/wjglkg.jpg. |
|
3rd round: |
11 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
No additional comments. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
7 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
This is a difficult one. I don't think that Thayer's can be effectively
ruled out, especially with that dark eye. |
|
2nd round: |
7 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
It's a tough call. The primaries appear to lean
towards Kumlien's, however, that dark eye makes me unable to rule out
Thayer's or even Thayer's x Iceland hybrid. |
|
3rd round: |
17 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
Continuing to stand as a "no" on this. Thayer's
cannot be reliably ruled out, especially with the dark eye. |
|
Dennis S. |
21 Jan 2017 |
No, ID |
Again this adult "whitish" gull doesn't fit the
characters of a IEGU. Others are still a possibility. Size, eye color,
bill and tail edge color are questionable for IEGU. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm sticking with my first impressions. |
|
3rd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
No additional thoughts. |
|
Steve S. |
14 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
14 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
I still think this bird looks better for Iceland
than Thayer's. |
|
3rd round: |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
I still think this bird looks better for Iceland
than Thayer's. I can't find any reference for adult Thayer's Gull that
don't have black wing tips not gray as in this bird. |
|
Mark S. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Ignoring the obvious taxonomic issues, and
concern over the amount and "blackness" of the dark markings on the
primaries (an open-wing shot would surely help), as well as a less-rounded
head than I'd like, I'll vote to accept this record, while leaving room
for the rest of you to talk me out of it. |
|
2nd round: |
6 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm changing my vote (slipping to the other side
of the fence). I'm not sure that we have enough here to eliminate
Thayer's, for example. There are dark tips on the primaries, and the eye
does seem dark. |
|
3rd round: |
31 May 2017 |
No, ID |
As per my second round comments, I think there's
too much room for doubt on this one. |
|
Larry T. |
22 Fe b 2017 |
No, ID |
Hard to very much in these pics. Could be a
Iceland or Thayer's? Size and overall jizz look good for either. Hybrid?
Not enough for me to call it a Iceland. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I'll stay with my 1st round vote on this bird. |
|
3rd round: |
9 May 2017 |
No, ID |
As before. |
|
David W. |
27 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
I'm starting to believe that this "species" is more common in Utah than
previously thought. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Eye color is variable in Kumlien's gulls, and
the wingtip color seem to be well within the range of this species. |
|
3rd round: |
22 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Despite the turning tide on this record, I will
remain true to my convictions in the second round. |
|
Kevin
W. |
15 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
I'll tentatively accept the identity of this
gull as an Iceland. I would like better photos; the submitted photos don't
show the eye well (hard to tell if its dark or light). The head and bill
shape seem right to me. |
|
2nd round: |
13 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
3rd round: |
18 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm changing my vote; I worry that the
characteristics may not be distinct enough from a Thayer's Gull. |
2017-03
Red-breasted Sapsucker
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
4 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
Photos, description and elimination of similar
species don't sufficiently rule out a hybrid. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
No further comments. |
|
Kenny F. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Doesn't appear to show any hybridization. |
|
2nd round: |
9 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
Looking at the pictures closer show that due to
the poor quality, hybridization can't be ruled out. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
7 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
Photos and record cannot effectively rule out
hybrid. Especially since she described that the back of the head has a
little bit of black in it. |
|
2nd round: |
7 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
Evidence insufficient to rule out hybrid. |
|
Dennis S. |
21 Jan 2017 |
No, ID |
Again the subject bird looks like a prime
candidate for a hybrid. It does show some characters of a RBSA but the
report and certainly photos do not adequately rule out other possibilities
and questions. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
It's still a hybrid. |
|
Steve S. |
14 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
By submiters own description this birds head has
black on the back of it which it should not have in a pure Red-breasted.
The photos are so bad it hard to tell anything from them. |
|
2nd round: |
14 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
No change from first round. |
|
Mark S. |
20 Jan 2017 |
No, ID |
Looks like it's at least partially Red-naped
Sapsucker. At the very least, not enough here to rule out a hybrid. |
|
2nd round: |
6 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I still think this is a hybrid. |
|
Larry T. |
22 Fe b 2017 |
No, ID |
Maybe a RB but can't see a lot in the photos to
be sure. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
As before certainly not enough there in the
pics. |
|
David W. |
16 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
I am not sure that photos A, B, and C are of the
same bird as photos E & F. Perhaps these are two different birds (or even
species), though it is hard to be sure because the latter are so
distorted. The bird in photos A, B, and C appears to be a hybrid with lot
of striping on the face far beyond even a daggeti, looking more like a
Red-naped/Yellow-bellied than a Red-breasted. |
|
2nd round: |
6 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
OK, I agree that even the bird in photos E & F
appears to be a hybrid. |
|
Kevin
W. |
15 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
The photos don't show enough detail to be sure
of identification, particularly to rule out a hybrid Red-naped x
Red-breasted. It does seem a bit too red-headed to be a pure Red-naped to
me. The description of a "little bit of black" on the back of the bird's
head makes me think it might be a hybrid. |
|
2nd round: |
13 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I still believe this bird could be a hybrid.. |
2017-04
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
4 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Dark-centered crown feathers with limited gray
on the sides of the head look good for Brown-capped Rosy-finch. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
7 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Appears to be a pretty straightforward sighting
of Brown-capped Rosy Finches in Utah |
|
Dennis S. |
21 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation and photos leaves little
doubt. A great find!! |
|
Steve S. |
14 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
20 Jan 2017 |
Acc |
Good documentation. The gray in the crown is too
reduced and ill-defined for a Gray-crowned, even as an immature. |
|
Larry T. |
22 Fe b 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
28 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
I think many of these are immature rosy-finches
sp. But some individuals appear to have the requisite head markings and
pink undersides. |
|
Kevin
W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
I'm curious to see what others think about this
finch, or if anyone has found good references for separating rosy-finches.
I think this one looks good for Brown-capped, but there does seem (in some
photos) to be quite a bit of gray around the dark crown, and in one photo
(H), the colors of the center bird are very close to the bird to the right
(which I think is a Gray-crowned). Also, there isn't much of a contrast
between what should be dark above the eyeline to what should be brown
below the eyeline; I don't know if this might be a trait of young
Brown-capped Rosy-Finches. |
2017-05
Iceland Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
4 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm having a hard time with this one due to the minimal written
description, brief elimination of similar species, and the poor photos.
Therefore, I'm voting a cautious "no" in this round. |
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2017 |
Acc |
I'll change to accept this record based on the
apparent coloring of the primaries being lighter than the mantle. |
|
Kenny F. |
29 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Very pale primaries and upperparts look good for
Kumlien's Iceland Gull. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Still think this is an Iceland.
Thayer's should have wingtips darker than the body, not paler like on this
bird.
Glaucous-winged Gull would have grayer wingtips that at least match the
body.
Rounded head and petite dark bill also fit Iceland. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
7 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
I would say everything looks sufficiently light
enough to put this on the Iceland side of the complex. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Continuing to stand that this appears to meet
the criteria to be on the scale for Kumliens. |
|
Dennis S. |
9 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Similar to other 1st Cycle ICGU this winter. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Don't we just love this gull complex!! It's
still a close call, but I'm still leaning towards a "darker" immature ICGU. |
|
Steve S. |
14 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
Bill, head shape and coloring look "Iceland" to
me. |
|
Mark S. |
23 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Oh, joy. Another "darkish" Thayer's/Iceland
Gull.
I remember the day when a bird this dark would have never passed this
committee, but I guess the standards have been relaxed a bit as the number
of records piles up. Circular review?
There doesn't appear to be any darkening on the wing tips, but it's hard
to say from such distant photos. But I'm sure that a bird this dark would
raise calls of "Thayer's" in New Jersey. |
|
2nd round: |
9 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks like the AOU may rescue us from this
torture this summer.
I'm keeping my vote as "accept," since that seems to be the general sense
of the committee on this record, but repeat my observation that the
standard of proof demanded by the committee for this "species" has
weakened considerably. |
|
Larry T. |
22 Fe b 2017 |
No, ID |
Can't see much here. |
|
2nd round: |
9 May 2017 |
No, ID |
Can't be rescued soon enough from this complex.
Without better pics I have a hard time making much out of this except it's
a blurry pale Gull. Or is it just the lighting in the bad photos? |
|
David W. |
27 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Writeup is convincing. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Until the AOU "rescues" us from this taxonomic
difficulty by reorganizing the Thayers-Icelandic complex, I will vote
Iceland gull. Future generations can make the appropriate adjustments
along this sliding scale/hybrid storm.
I think the bird shows very pale primaries and displays the appropriate
body shape and bill size for what is currently called a Kumliens. |
|
Kevin
W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm not sure the submitted photos show enough
detail to distinguish this gull from a Thayer's Gull or possibly a
Glaucous-winged Gull. |
|
2nd round: |
18 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Changing my vote; after learning more about the
'Iceland/ Thayer's' spectrum, it seems that this record seems to fit
better as Iceland than Thayer's, specifically head and body shape and
primary feather color. I still wish that the photos were more diagnostic. |
2017-06
Bell's Sparrow
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I agree the audio recording sounds like a Bell's
Sparrow. However, after reviewing the photos and this article:
http://www.sibleyguides.com/wp-content/uploads/On-separating-Sagebrush-and-Bells-Sparrows.pdf,
I am not fully convinced that Bell's Sparrow is the correct ID. |
|
2nd round: |
120 May 2017 |
No, ID |
I agree with David's comments. To me this is in
the middle of the spectrum between Bell's and Sagebrush. I'd also like to
see a more definitive specimen for a state first. |
|
Kenny F. |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Song and appearance better match canescens
Bell's Sparrow rather than Sagebrush Sparrow. |
|
2nd round: |
11 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I still think that this looks like a Bell's
Sparrow given the dark malar stripe, weak streaking on the back and flanks
and the song is a match too for canescens Bell's and not a Sagebrush
Sparrow. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Seems to be within range but interested in what
others think. |
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
I've hesitated and gone back and forth a lot on
this. The back streaking seems a little better for Sagebrush, but that
strong malar stripe is just better for Bell's. Because there can be such
variation in the back streaking, but the malar stripe is so obvious, I'll
continue to vote this as Bell's Sparrow. |
|
Dennis S. |
9 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
This is a problem species for us with the recent
split from Sage Sparrow. Everyone should read paper by Peter Pyle in
Sibley Notes and other relevant articles. There is a bunch of overlapping
characters between the Mojave subspecies of Bell's Sparrow and the Sage
Sparrow. The variable amount of gray darkness of the head, malar strip
thickness, and streaking on the back are all enough to question the
validity of this record. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I'm glad we have a vote/comment opportunity
system where we can review other committee members insights and opinions.
After studying the excellent first round comments, my concerns have been
lessened and I'm voting in favor of accepting.The degree of malar stripe
prominence and back streaking slightly favors a BESP. |
|
Steve S. |
14 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Ever since the split I've suspected Utah has
this bird in the winter flocks of Sagebrush Sparrows. To me it was just a
matter of time till someone bothered to stop and get decent photos of one. |
|
2nd round: |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
As David suggests this bird may fall in the
middle somewhere but I think on the side of Bell,s Sparrow. Can we say
Solitary Vireo. |
|
Mark S. |
23 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation - heavy malar stripe and
lack of back streaking are diagnostic. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Frankly, I'm a bit surprised by the
uncertainty by some regarding this record. I've spent quite a bit of time
going over the photos from this record, and comparing the to other photos
of know i.d. for both species, including many of my own, and the specimens
in the Pyle article, and with regards to the malar stripe, I can't find
anything even close to as heavy a stripe in any Sagebrush Sparrow as this
bird shows. The back streaking, and color, is closer to the overlap zone,
especially given the worn plumage at the time of the sighting, but still
more closely fits A. b. canescens than A. nevadensis.
The song also more closely resembles canescens.
Given three definitive features to differentiate these two, one points
strongly to canescens, and the other two at worst weakly to canescens, and
none even weakly to nevadensis. Add to that the fact that the occurrence
pattern for these species would make canescens the more likely to occur at
this location and date, and I see little support for not accepting this
record.
The fact that this would technically be a "state first" record, and thus
require some larger level of proof, ignores that this status is only
because of the recent taxonomic changes, and that this form has no doubt
long occurred in Utah. |
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
This one could go either was for me. But for now
I will accept it. I have seen similar looking sage sparrow on the slope
but have a hard time calling them with 100% certainty.
Most of the pics look good but a couple could go either way. But this is a
difficult I'd that can be misleading in photos. |
|
2nd round: |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
I will stay with accepting this bird. I'm
certainly more comfortable with it after reading the other comments. |
|
David W. |
28 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
In my visual evaluation, I relied mostly on
Pyle, 2013: (http://www.sibleyguides.com/wp-content/uploads/On-separating-Sagebrush-and-Bells-Sparrows.pdf.
To my eye, this bird has a very gray head and distinct mantle streaking,
consistent with a Sagebrush sparrow. It has a strong malar stripe like a
Bell's sparrow.
When I compare the song to recordings on Xeno-Canto, I find myself leaning
toward A. b. canescens, but some of the nevadensis sound too similar to
dismiss.
I will vote NO for now, hoping someone votes to ACCEPT in order to bounce
this into the second round. |
|
2nd round: |
9 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I still think this record doesn't adequately
exclude the possibility of a Sagebrush sparrow. It seems very intermediate
for the reason's I noted in the first round. Although this MAY be a Bell's
sparrow, I'd like to see something more definitive for a state first. |
|
Kevin
W. |
13 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
On the spectrum between Bell's Sparrow
(particularly the canescens subspecies) and Sagebrush Sparrow, this bird
seems to lean more toward Bells. The minimal back-streaks and dark malar
streaks seem good. I'm not sure how definitive other characteristics that
the submitter mentions are (voice, white tail-edges). I've thought that
certainly some portion of the Sage-type sparrows wintering here must be
Bell's based on numbers reported in southern Nevada. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
I still believe this bird shows good
characteristics for Bell's Sparrow, and the species is a likely bird to
show itself sooner or later. |
2017-07
Boreal Owl
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
There's not enough recorded call for me to
accept this record. |
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2017 |
No, ID |
Although a Boreal Owl "could" have made this
call, I'll stick with my initial vote and comment. |
|
3rd round: |
15 Jul 2017 |
No, ID |
No further comments. |
|
Kenny F. |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Call seems to match the 2nd part of the call
described. Another example can be found here:
http://www.xeno-canto.org/169272. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Given the location and the elevation, Boreal Owl
fits well here.
Also the Xeno-canto link I shared of a Boreal has a very similar call to
this record.
Can anyone else who doesn't think this is a Boreal Owl find a recording of
another owl species making the call similar to the one in this recording?
I don't understand how others can reject this sighting without offering up
concrete evidence that this call can be given by another owl species. |
|
3rd round: |
19 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
Are any other dissenters going to show evidence
of another owl species making a similar call? |
|
Stephanie
G. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Recording is not great, but habitat,
description, and behavior seems fine for Boreal Owl. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
While the recording is poor, the habitat matches
Boreal and the description fits well. Boreal is not terribly unlikely in
the Uintas and is probably under-reported. |
|
3rd round: |
26 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
I think other species can be eliminated fairly
well. |
|
Dennis S. |
11 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm sorry there needs to be more than a distant
"ooo-ahh", chirp, tweet, pop, or whatever for acceptance of a record.
Especially with owls "whoo" are know for their repertoire of odd noises. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
No change in thoughts from first round. |
|
3rd round: |
12 Jul 2017 |
No, ID |
Still not sure it wasn't an aberration of some
other species call. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
With a very poor tape with one indistinct sound
I don't know how we can determine Boreal Owl. |
|
2nd round: |
5 May 2017 |
No, ID |
No change from first round. |
|
3rd round: |
7 Aug 2017 |
No, ID |
I still can't make out anything distinctive
enough to call this a Boreal Owl. |
|
Mark S. |
23 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
I can't really hear anything distinctive on that
recording.
I'm hesitant to accept a heard-only record from the description alone,
though not totally opposed, if others have no problem with it. They
probably heard a Boreal Owl, but I'm not sure that the evidence meets the
standards for acceptance. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I listened to the recording again, when it was
quieter here, and could hear more, so I tried it with headphones, and was
able to hear it well enough to offer comparison to other calls. Although
there are some calls of N. Saw-whet or even Long-eared Owl that could
suggest this call, a partial capture of the "ooo-ahh" call of the Boreal
Owl, grabbing the second note, bears a very close resemblance to this
call, and represents what I think is the "best fit."
The narrative of the written description makes this identification even
more likely.
Therefore, I'm changing my vote to "accept.". |
|
3rd round: |
26 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
I still don't see a viable alternative,
especially considering the totality of the record, including location,
season and the observer's description. |
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
I will accept it on the observers description. I
can't make out much from the recording. |
|
2nd round: |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
Given the description and What can be made out
of the recording I will stay with my vote. |
|
3rd round: |
31 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
I still don't have a problem with this one. |
|
David W. |
19 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Agh. I hate to vote in the affirmative on such a
weak recording, but, after a long time listening to all reasonable
alternatives on Xeno-Canto, I can't think of a better match. Maybe someone
can talk me out of it in the second round. Mammal anyone? |
|
2nd round: |
12 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Unless someone can show me an example of a call
matching this record, I will again vote in the affirmative. I cannot match
the tone/quality of this call to any other species. Please convince me
otherwise if you know of any recordings that I have not heard, and I will
change my vote. |
|
3rd round: |
24 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
No further thoughts. |
|
Kevin
W. |
13 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I don't think the sound recorded can
definitively be identified as a Boreal Owl, and there is no other
evidence. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm sticking with my original vote. This could
have been a Boreal Owl, but I don't think it's definitive. |
|
3rd round: |
23 Aug 2017 |
No, ID |
No additional comments |
2017-08
White-rumped Sandpiper
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2017 |
Acc |
I see a White-rumped Sandpiper in the photo. |
|
Kenny F. |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Photo clearly shows this species's namesake
white rump. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
If you look closely at the photograph, you can
see that the white isn't showing because the bird is tipped to the side-
the white goes all the way over the back.
All the other shorebird species that have white rumps can be ruled out
based on bill shape: Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Northern
Lapwing, American Oystercatcher, Yellowlegs, Willet, Hudsonian Godwit,
Turnstones, Surfbird, Curlew Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Field marks look good |
|
2nd round: |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
White rump clearly shows |
|
Dennis S. |
13 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
Not convinced. Photo is inconclusive- could be a
different species, simply tipped to side when flying and pale base of bill
is apparently only found in breeding birds. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
After reading every ones 1st round comments and
further studying the record I swayed towards acceptance. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
Still looks like White-rumped to me. |
|
Mark S. |
6 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
It has a white rump. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I still see a white rump. |
|
Larry T. |
30 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Good photos. |
|
2nd round: |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
I'd like to send this to the second round to see
if anyone else is troubled by the extent of white on the back. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Unlike Dennis, I was actually thinking there was
too much white on the rump/back/tail, but I now see that the impression is
only caused by the angle of the photo, maximizing the curved white rump
patch to make it appear larger than it is. My concern is resolved. |
|
Kevin
W. |
13 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
The sandpiper shown in the photo looks good for
a White-rumped. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
Still agree that this bird appears to be a
White-rumped Sandpiper. |
2017-09
Blue-headed Vireo
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
Cassin's Vireo is not sufficiently ruled out. |
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2017 |
Acc |
Based on the side-by-side comparison, I'll change my vote to accept. |
|
Kenny F. |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show strong contrast between blue facial
pattern and white throat and brighter flanks than a Cassin's Vireo would
have. |
|
2nd round: |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I went ahead and put together the 2 most similar
pictures of this record and the other rejected Blue-headed Vireo record
(2016-36) to compare the 2 birds.
http://i68.tinypic.com/zkhoa8.jpg
They do look like different birds. The left is the original record which
looks like a Cassin's Vireo. The bird on the right is the bird from this
record.
Notice the weak contrast on the facial features on the left bird with some
intermediate feathers with the 2 colors come together. The bird on the
right shows strong contrast. Also note the darker blue head and brighter
yellow flanks, which strongly contrasts with the white belly on the bird
on the right. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
26 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Clean demarcation between gray on head and
throat. Bright yellow coloration. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Contrasting head, clean demarcation on throat, bright yellow on sides all
point to the species. |
|
Dennis S. |
13 Feb 2017 |
No, ID |
Not convinced. Too much overlap with possible
Cassin's. Photo not conclusive. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
The comparison photos (thanks Kenny) of the two birds seen in the same
area and time frame helped to clarify and make the second record look much
better as a BHVI. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
I think this is probably the same bird as in
record number 2016-36, which was seen a few days later and I have the same
concerns as in that record. |
|
2nd round: |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
OK side by side they do look like different birds and I'll vote to accept
this one. |
|
Mark S. |
30 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Photo shows a Blue-headed Vireo. The dark lores are fine for Blue-headed;
that purported character for Cassin's Vireo is unreliable. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
While the boundary between Cassin's and Blue-headed can be blurry with
some individuals, this is not one of those. The brightness of the color on
this individual, as well as the definition of the head-throat boundary,
falls outside of the range of variation for Cassin's Vireo, and squarely
within the realm of Blue-headed. |
|
Larry T. |
30 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Nice photos of a Blue-headed Vireo. |
|
2nd round: |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
27 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
11 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I'd like to stick with my first round (lack of) comments, but I don't wish
to run afoul of the bylaws requiring 2nd round comments. I basically agree
with Mark on this one, though I do not think the individual falls as
"squarely" as one might desire (a bit of wobble on the landing, but
remained standing). |
|
Kevin
W. |
13 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
The bold contrast of this vireo between the head
and throat make me lean toward this being a Blue-headed. The photos don't
show the contrast between the head and back well, but it seems to be
noticeable. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
Continue with the Blue-headed Vireo identification. |
2017-10
Red Phalarope
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Thicker bills (with the one on the right showing
a pale base), overall pale gray back and foreparts that ride higher in the
water look good for Red Phalarope. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Bills seem to have blunt ends although it's a
difficult call. |
|
Dennis S. |
13 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Record Verification Form lists this record as
Blue-headed Vireo [mistake has been corrected]. If so then no ID. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
By bill shape alone these seem to be Red
Phalaropes. |
|
Mark S. |
7 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Bill shape eliminates other phalaropes. |
|
Kevin
W. |
13 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
The thick, blunt-tipped bill is shown in the
photos, and other field marks seem to match Red Phalarope. |
2017-11
Red-throated Loon
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
9 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Overall pale coloration (especailly of the
underparts) along with the upturned bill look good for Red-throated Loon. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
26 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
I was there in person for this particular
record. :) Obvious Red-throated Loon, light coloration, small loon,
upturned bill. |
|
Dennis S. |
11 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Report is adequate and substantiated by many
independent observers over time. But photos!! - are you kidding - you can
hardly tell it's a bird let alone a RTLO. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
The photos are inconclusive, but the description
is good enough for me. |
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Seen by many over a long period. |
|
Kevin
W. |
13 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
I don't think the photos are enough to identify
this bird, but the description fits Red-throated Loon well. |
2017-12
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
The juvenile plumage this late in the fall looks
good for YBSA. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
26 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Specimen retaining juvenile plumage well in to
October. Heavy barring on the back. Seems to be pretty straightforward. |
|
Dennis S. |
26 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Based solely on the late Fall observation date
it (they) is most likely a YBSA. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
7 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Even a late-molting Red-naped Sapsucker would
show much more adult-type plumage this late in the season. |
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Very late juvenile plumage for its look-alike
taxon. |
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I wish the photos would have shown the bird's
back better, but the description seems appropriate for a Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker. |
2017-13
Great Gray Owl
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Obviously a Great Gray Owl. Nice pics. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Obvious ID |
|
Dennis S. |
9 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
It's been a long time coming! |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
7 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
No doubt on this one. |
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Maybe the only one who didn't see this bird. |
|
David W. |
10 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Despite the almost comical absence of written
description in all three submissions, the photos and excited shrieks from
the birding community tell the story. I am amused that the written
description in the first write-up describe this Great GRAY owl as being
brown. |
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show a Great Gray Owl. |
2017-14
Great Gray Owl
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Obviously a Great Gray Owl. Nice pics. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Obvious ID |
|
Dennis S. |
9 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
It sure got everyone's attention. Good
photo and write up. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Nice record. |
|
Larry T. |
31 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
I would say you'd have to think this is probably
a different bird. But who knows for sure. |
|
David W. |
10 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Again, described as brown (though, admittedly,
one can see brown highlights in these photos). Amazing photos! Have you
all seen that video by the person who approached the owl and, allegedly,
petted it? Someone sent it to me, and maybe it should be made part of the
record. Astounding in so many ways... |
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show a Great Gray Owl. |
2017-15
Alder Flycatcher
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
8 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I've gone back and forth on this ID, but have
finally decided on a "no," at least for this round. Although the back
coloration does appear to be bright, none of the references I have
consulted declare this as a diagnostic characteristic of Alder Flycatcher.
The eye-ring is noticeable, but this characteristic is variable in "Traill's
Flycatchers" with some Willow Flycatchers showing stronger eye-rings than
others. |
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2017 |
No, ID |
Without something definitive, like a sound
recording, I can't vote to accept. |
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Tony Leukering seems correct that this is an
Alder Flycatcher, which would make sense given that some of the
characteristics did look like a YBFL but some of the field marks did not. |
|
2nd round: |
7 Jun 2017 |
No, ID |
Without a vocal recording of this species, I
don't think the committee will accept a 1st state record of this species. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2017 |
No, ID |
While Matt has submitted a great case, I think
that there have been some valid comments presented that express enough
doubt on the ID. Without vocalizations I suppose we shouldn't vote to
accept a record like this on an empid. |
|
Dennis S. |
1 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
So here we are once again with an Empidonax
Flycatcher and that's the only fact we are sure of. And once again I've
spent an inordinate amount of time studying this issue. At first glance I
can see why there were identification questions in the observers mind.
Like the report points out there are several characters that point towards
an ALFL. However there are so many variables to the other closely
resembled species that clouds of doubt begin to form. First its a common
repeated statement that willow and alder flycatchers "even in hand" can
not be separated for certain. The only western states fall record from
Ebird is from the Farallon Islands off the California coast. And this bird
was caught in a mist net and needed hand measurements before it was
determined to be an Alder. The presence/absence/prominence of the eye-ring
runs both directions in the Willow/Alder subspecies and can't always point
to one or the other. Same with coloration of back, whiteness of throat,
and amount of yellow underparts. What of the "vested" appearance of the
breast area? This can be used to help separate some species. All
authorities do agree that the voice is the only sure way to distinguish
one from another. Parts of the bird reminds you of not only a Alder and
Willow but also Yellow-bellied and even Acadian. Like the report
mentioned, the "identification would be a bit of a stretch and forced".
That's how I made my decision. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
No additional thoughts from first round. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
As per Kaufman, Field Guide to Advanced Birding
"silent birds are almost impossible to name with confidence. Even in the
hand, silent birds often have to be identified as Trail's Flycatcher." |
|
2nd round: |
5 May 2017 |
No, ID |
I don't think this bird can be accepted without
a sound recording. |
|
Mark S. |
8 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
Note to self: Do not take on records like this
before morning coffee.
I applaud Matt's efforts and tenacity with this record, and this may,
indeed, be an Alder Flycatcher. I think *most* other empids can be
eliminated, including western Willow Flycatcher. But, in spite of the
certainty expressed by Tony Leukering, I don't think that we can eliminate
the possibility of it being an eastern Willow Flycatcher, that shows more
of an eye-ring, and greener back and head, than western WIFL.
I'm also concerned by the buff color of the wingbars in photo B. Could
this be a juvenile-plumage individual? That would certainly complicate
matters even further.
I'm hesitant to accept a record of this magnitude without even a
description of a vocalization. I'm not sure that this individual can be
positively identified from these photos alone. |
|
2nd round: |
31 May 2017 |
No, ID |
As per my first-round comments. |
|
Larry T. |
12 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
First off trying to ID empids from photos is
certainly a crap shoot. You can get comments from 1/2 a dozen different
experts and be lucky to get anything better than a 4 / 2 out come on the
ID.
Sure would make everyone's job easy if birds would speak up in migration.
The pics are quite good but do they make anything diffidently, probably
not in my mind.
The eye ring and bill shape and color can be seen pretty well and do
eliminate a few species leaving YB,Least,Alder as being the best fit. A
dull Western and a eastern Willow with a bright eye ring is also possible.
To me the bill looks very good for a Least. Also it could fit YB,Alder/Willow
and Western from the angle were seeing. The dark/black wings with high
contrasting wing bars and tertial edges best fit Least and YB to me.
But again were looking at photos.
The overall shape jizz of the bird depends on which pic your looking at. I
think the crest can be thrown out, who knows what was being caught in a
spit second pic. Photo B makes the tail look long for a Least otherwise
that's probably what I'd want to call it.
Again maybe mis-leading photos?
YB should have more of a yellowish eyering and throat but I'm not sure how
well were seeing that in these pics.
Alder/Willow is a good fit for this bird also. The bill looks to be a bit
more rounded for either but again the pics? The jizz certainly fits
either. The overall color could be good or mis-leading?
I would have liked to have been able to study this bird in the field but
even then to be certain of the ID I'm afraid I would have wanted to hear
the bird.
I can't wait to read everyone's comments on this one.
I'm open to changing my vote but I will need more than what else could it
be. |
|
2nd round: |
9 May 2017 |
No, ID |
Not much to add but I agree with everyone that
it's going to be hard to accept a bird of this difficulty without it being
heard. |
|
David W. |
7 Mar 2017 |
No, ID |
First, let me applaud Mr. Pendleton on the
boldness of his submission. He is a braver man than me. I personally am
left uncertain and will vote NO for this round in hopes that someone can
educate me on this beautifully-photographed bird.
When this record was submitted as a Yellow-bellied flycatcher, it received
several votes in the affirmative, with many of the remainder (including
mine) deferring to Willow flycatcher. No one suggested an Alder
flycatcher. Since this would be a state first, I will vote NO to be
conservative.
I am more than happy to be converted on this vote if someone can show me a
definitive way to identify an Alder flycatcher without resorting to voice.
Yellow-bellied? One of the many races of Willow?
I'll end with something I read on one web site which quoted a Peter Pyle
(1997) warning: "Alder Flycatchers should be separated from most Willow
Flycatchers with great caution, and only with extreme individuals. |
|
2nd round: |
14 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I have enjoyed reading all the NAYs on this
vote, and I agree with them. I'm going to stick to my first-round vote in
the absence of a sound recording. |
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm not sure if there is enough info to
determine if this is an Alder Flycatcher. The characteristics that were
described (as well as the photos, in my opinion), seem to fall within
range of variation of Willow Flycatcher. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2017 |
No, ID |
I still don't think that there's enough to
definitively identify this bird as an Alder Flycatcher. |
2017-16
Least Flycatcher
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks and sounds like a Least Flycatcher. |
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Audio a match for LEFL.. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks fairly straightforward |
|
Dennis S. |
26 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Good photos and physical description of bird but
would have liked a description of "vocals". What did the characteristic
calls it made sound like? |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks and sounds like Least Flycatcher. |
|
Larry T. |
4 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Both photos and recording, as well as the
description, fit Least Flycatcher pretty well. |
2017-17
Red-throated Loon
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
10 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Looks good for a Red-throated Loon. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
26 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Pretty straightforward with clear pictures.
Upturned bill, light coloration. Neck that hits the water on a straight
angle. |
|
Dennis S. |
11 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Good report and supportive photos. |
|
Steve S. |
12 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
The photos show a Red-throated Loon. |
|
Larry T. |
4 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
16 Feb 2017 |
Acc |
Convincing write-up and photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos and description fit Red-throated Loon. |
2017-18
Common Crane
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
14 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
27 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
Photos are good for a Common Crane. Provenance
is always a question for a species like this but given that other states's
record committees have accepted this species to their official checklists
and that it is accepted that Common Cranes and Lesser Sandhill Cranes
overlap breeding areas in Siberia, it is likely that it is a regular
vagrant to the US. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Exciting! |
|
Dennis S. |
15 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
No question it's a COCR. I wonder if it's the
same bird that was at Overton, Nevada a few years back? Any reports of one
in Bosque del Apache in New Mexico this past winter? How bout the Uinta
Basin since then? Anyone checked? Wish it would have stuck around a day or
two! |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
Nice find |
|
Mark S. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
The i.d. is not in doubt, so the only question
is if it's of natural origin. This sighting fits with the pattern of
numerous others in western North America. It could even be considered
overdue for Utah. |
|
Larry T. |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
I'll accept this record but I suspect this will
go to a second round. Natural occurrence is certainly a question for this
bird. But they do show up in N. America. I don't see anything wrong with
the bird and it's not near the city zoo. Mixed in with migrating SH Cranes
looks good to me. |
|
David W. |
14 Mar 2017 |
Acc |
When this came out over the internet/eBird as a
hybrid, I spent a lot of time with my European field guides trying to
figure out why someone would come to that conclusion. But I did not see
any indication of hybridization. I do not see any now. Looks like a
spot-on match for a Common crane, so, unless someone knows of evidence
that this is an escapee, I will vote to accept. Very nice record. |
|
Kevin
W. |
2 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show a Common Crane; similar to Nevada's
first record in 2013. |
2017-19
Black-throated Green Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
31 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
5 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks great for a Black-throated Green Warbler.
I wish these state firsts would stick around a little longer and not be 1
day wonders! |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
14 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Report touched all close possibilities.The
videos were short, but convincing. |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
I wonder how many of these get passed off as
Townsend's. |
|
Mark S. |
9 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Remarkable record. |
|
Larry T. |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
Odd time of year for a BT Green to be in Logan.
I'm glad they got the video or I would have had a hard time with this one.
I'm surprised we don't have more records of this species coming through in
migration. |
|
David W. |
1 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Clearly this species. |
|
Kevin
W. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Videos and description fit a Black-throated
Green Warbler well. |
2017-20
Eastern Phoebe
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
5 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks good for an Eastern Phoebe. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
16 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Looks good for an EAPH. |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
9 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show Eastern Phoebe. |
|
Larry T. |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
4 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Good photos and write-up. |
|
Kevin
W. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos and description match Eastern Phoebe. |
2017-21
Least Bittern
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
5 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Nice photos of a Least Bittern. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
15 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
2 years ago!! Better late than never! No
question about ID. |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
9 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Should this still be on the review list,
especially from this location? |
|
Larry T. |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
4 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photo clearly shows this species. |
|
Kevin
W. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show a Least Bittern |
2017-22
Little Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
8 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Sorry for not sending this one is before! |
|
Stephanie
G. |
12 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Field marks and photos solid |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Nice flight photos. No apparent problems. |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
9 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Good documentation. |
|
Larry T. |
9 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
David W. |
11 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I took a bit of time to convince myself this
couldn't be a kittiwake, but I agree with the ID. |
|
Kevin
W. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
The bold M pattern and dark underwing show this
to be a Little Gull. |
2017-23 Ruff
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
The photos show the yellow legs, short dark thick-ish bill, large tertials,
and stocky-ish body shape of a Ruff. |
|
Kenny F. |
19 May 2017 |
Acc |
This bird seems to best match a Ruff with the
yellow legs and dark bill as well the large tertials. |
|
2nd round: |
19 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
Still looks like a Ruff to me. Should a vote of 8-1 in the first round
just get accepted and not sent to the second round? |
|
Stephanie
G. |
17 Apr 2017 |
No, ID |
I'm not seeing the buffy-ness that the observer
describes, nor does the patterning on the coverts seem to match for ruff.
I don't see what rules out Lesser Yellowlegs here. Bill also doesn't
appear to droop in my perception. |
|
2nd round: |
24 Aug 2017 |
No, ID |
I had planned a larger analysis of this, but it appears that I am in the
minority here. I still see this as a Lesser Yellowlegs and don't see any
evidence of this being a Ruff. It isn't buffy enough. No where can I find
a picture of a Ruff that looks like this with such contrast. It's the same
size as the nearby Yellowlegs and the plumage pattern is the same. Looking
at the nearby Yellowlegs the bill size and width looks the same. The body
looks sleek, not chunky. The scaps look solid, not patterned. The leg
color looks the same as the yellowlegs. Just not seeing it. |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Unless I'm missing something I think it's what
it is. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
Still think Ruff! |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
7 Aug 2017 |
Acc |
Still looks like a Ruff to me. |
|
Mark S. |
31 May 2017 |
Acc |
Looks like a Ruff (Reeve). |
|
2nd round: |
26 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
Still looks like a Ruff.
In answer to Kenny's question, no, I think unanimous first-round votes is
a good standard. |
|
Larry T. |
16 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
31 Jul 2017 |
Acc |
I agree with the comments. |
|
David W. |
22 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I was a bit hesitant when looking at the photos,
but the writeup swayed me. |
|
2nd round: |
24 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
I have spent considerable time looking through my various field guides
from Europe and elsewhere in response to Stephanie's comments, but I still
believe this to be a Ruff. As so many tomes point out, this is a highly
variable species (not just sexually dimorphic), and the elusive breast
buffiness does not appear to be a critical field mark (though some is
certainly visible in the photos). I cannot see this as a Yellowlegs for
various reasons (thickness of bill, thickness and color of legs, plumage
pattern), nor anything other species. But it does look like a Ruff to me.
Note the way the mantle feathers are puffed up, as so often happens with
Ruffs. |
|
Kevin
W. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
I wish the photos were better, but the bill
shape, leg color, and back pattern lead me to conclude that it is a Ruff. |
|
2nd round: |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
I still believe that this is a Ruff. |
2017-24
Magnificent Frigatebird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
19 May 2017 |
Acc |
Amazing shots rules out any other frigatebird
species. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Obvious ID. Was so fun to see! |
|
Dennis S. |
17 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
No problems with this one! Many saw it. |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
31 May 2017 |
Acc |
Could have taken those shots here. |
|
Larry T. |
16 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
Nice bird for Utah. |
|
David W. |
20 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
As much as I would like to vote to reject out of sour grapes, the
spectacular photos and detailed write-up convince me to take the high
road. |
|
Kevin
W. |
18 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos clearly show Magnificent Frigatebird. |
2017-25
Long-tailed Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Kathy B. |
3 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Kenny F. |
19 May 2017 |
Acc |
Clearly a Long-tailed Jaeger. |
|
Stephanie
G. |
7 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
16 May 2017 |
Acc |
No questions apparent. |
|
Steve S. |
5 May 2017 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
2 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
Hey, even I saw and photographed that one! |
|
Larry T. |
16 Jun 2017 |
Acc |
Nice Photos. |
|
David W. |
22 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Again, remarkable photos by Rick. I also appreciated the history of the
life & times of this bird in Utah. |
|
Kevin
W. |
18 Apr 2017 |
Acc |
Photos show Long-tailed Jaeger. |
|
