|
2024-61 White-winged
Crossbill
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
25 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Good description and photos show WWCR -
everywhere this year! |
|
Keeli M. |
18 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Photos and write-up support ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
5 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Kris P. |
13 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
A clean description of appearance and call. |
|
Mike
S. |
30 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. |
|
Dennis S. |
11 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Accept both records. If only all records were
this easy to determine. Photos made it easy. |
|
Mark S. |
8 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
David
W. |
29 Aug 2024 |
Acc |
Another fine record by one of our own. Nice to
get further evidence suggesting breeding. |
|
Kevin
W. |
20 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Good photos showing crossbills with bold white
wingbars. |
2024-62 White-winged
Crossbill
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
25 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
More WWCR - woohoo! |
|
Keeli M. |
18 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show bold white wing bars and crossed
bills. |
|
Bryant
O. |
5 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Kris P. |
13 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
30 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Another great record with photos and good
written documentation. |
|
Dennis S. |
11 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Accept both records. If only all records were
this easy to determine. Photos made it easy. |
|
Mark S. |
8 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Good documentation and photos. |
|
David
W. |
29 Aug 2024 |
Acc |
Nice writeup with supporting photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
20 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Photos showing crossbills with bold white
wingbars. |
2024-63 Parasitic
Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
I've had some folks email me about this
potentially being an odd LTJA, but I think there is enough here to support
PAJA (also worthwhile looking at Connie Miskets photos of both this and
the LTJA submitted). Accepting for now but interested to see if any
committee members think differently. |
|
Keeli M. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Photos and description are supportive of PAJA ID
for me. |
|
Bryant
O. |
18 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Does look like a immature Parasitic, long narrow
bill with small nail, 4 primaries show white shafts |
|
Kris P. |
27 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Thorough record including excellent analysis,
plenty of photos and elimination of the other two jaegers. This bird gave
lots of people the chance to see and photograph it--something that hasn't
happened in awhile. |
|
Mike
S. |
9 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Great photos and written documentation rules out
similar species. |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Provides very detailed comparisons to
characteristics of the other jaegers. Slender bill with only small amount
of black on tip in photos was one deciding factor. |
|
Mark S. |
1 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation; the photos show a
Parasitic Jaeger. |
|
David
W. |
8 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
I like the structure of the bill and the white
pattern in the wings for a Parasitic. I would not bet my life on it
though. The fact that record 2024-65 shows there being two species
together is helpful. |
|
Kevin
W. |
30 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
The description and photos showing thin and
longish bill, streaked head and nape, cinnamon/ buffy feather edges lead
me to conclude this is a Parasitic Jaeger. |
2024-64 Boreal
Owl
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
25 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Nice photo, hopefully we can find a solution for
not reviewing these in the Uintas. |
|
Keeli M. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Another good BOOW record. |
|
Bryant
O. |
18 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Diagnostic yellow bill visible in photo=Boreal
Owl |
|
Kris P. |
13 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
This has been a well-researched and planned
endeavor that has pushed the bounds of what we've suspected but didn't
know. Thanks especially to Jeff, and to Terry R. and James L. as well. |
|
Mike
S. |
8 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Another great Boreal Owl record. |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Wonderful photo leaves no doubt. |
|
Mark S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. |
|
David
W. |
10 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
I think these two submittal form lines say it
all:
"Previous experience with this & similar species: This is the
twenty-seventh confirmed hatch-year bird this season. I ve observed over
sixty adults in the past four years in three states."
"References consulted: None required for this observation based on
previous experience."
I would only like to add, "Wow." |
|
Kevin
W. |
30 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
good documentation of a Boreal Owl. |
2024-65 Long-tailed
Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Good documentation beyond the record itself by many. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Glad that others have noted the extra photos on
eBird as well. As Kris noted, have a summary comment about the photos
submitted as part of the record? |
|
Keeli M. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Underwing pattern, size, and bill pattern all
support ID as LTJA. Good write-up and photos. |
|
2nd round: |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Appreciate the discussion on the confusion
regarding the photos. I still think there is adequate support and written
justification that both PAJA and LTJA show up in these photos. |
|
Bryant
O. |
18 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
There is some confusion because some of the
photos in the record are of the Parasitic that was also present(A & B)
however, the photos are label correctly in the eBird checklists and there
side by side comparison really does show the different structure and bill
shape of these 2 Jaegers, with the smaller one in back being a
Long-tailed, meaning a LTJA was absolutely present at this location on
this date and is seen in some of the photos |
|
2nd round: |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Photos E, J and L really show the structural
difference between PAJA and LTJA, LTJA has a shorter bill with larger
nail, pale nape and dark cap, cold gray tones, longer primaries projection
past tail and longer R1 tail plumes and longer tail in flight. Size is
smaller but that is not the only reason it is a LTJA |
|
Kris P. |
27 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Thorough record, excellent analysis, and what
great good fortune to have the Parasitic present at the same time, and for
the photographers to capture them both in several frames. |
|
2nd round: |
25 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
The photos capturing both birds in the frame, a
rare circumstance in our state, backed up by Connie Misket's extra-record
eBird photos, are highly credible evidence to support accepting.
I think Mark's misgivings are totally understandable. The photo confusion
is particularly unfortunate for this species pair, but Bryant's comment
explains it. Should this be noted in the summary comment for the record
that photos A and B are not of the subject species? |
|
Mike
S. |
14 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Great written documentation with photos, and awesome to have an
opportunity to study this species side-by-side with a Parasitic. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Continuing to accept and I agree with the
analysis by others on the committee. I believe the photos with both
jaegers in the frame provide a nice side by side comparison showing
important size/structural (and subtle plumage) differences between the two
individuals. |
|
Dennis S. |
22 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Thorough report and photos comparing PAJE helped
make decision to accept. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Still feel no serious problem with acceptance. |
|
Mark S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
To 2nd |
I've been troubled by this record ever since I
first saw the reports and photos on social media and eBird. Looking at the
photos, most of what is supposedly the Long-tailed Jaeger look more like a
runty Parasitic Jaeger, and only a few suggest Long-tailed.
Since male Parasitic Jaegers can be 20% smaller than females, I'm not sure
that the apparent size differences are sufficient to establish the
identification. In most of the photos the bill looks too long and thin for
LTJA, and the underwing blazes too bright and large. The photos on the
eBird submission look better for LTJA, but I'm still not sure that it's
sufficient to establish the i.d.
I don't feel strongly enough about this to vote "no" this round, but would
like to hear if others have the same doubts that I've had. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Since no one else has any issues with this
record, and my own questions were not strong enough to reject this record
outright, I'll vote to accept. |
|
David
W. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
I can't certify that all photos belong to this
species, but I do believe one of those birds is a Long-tailed for the
reasons identified by the observer in her writeup. |
|
2nd round: |
7 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nothing to add. |
|
Kevin
W. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
The photos showing this bird with another Jaeger
gave me an opportunity to dig into Jaeger ID. Characters that I think
stand out in the Long-tailed are the shorter bill, contrast between the
light back and darker wing coverts, and only 2 primary feather shafts
being obvious. The bird appears to be smaller than the accompanying
Parasitic, but that's hard to tell with the perspective. Likewise, it's
hard to tell general wing shape and if the wings are more narrow. Although
the central tail feathers are visible in one of the photos, I can't tell
much about their shape (are they blunt or pointed?). |
|
2nd round: |
8 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Continue to accept. |
2024-66 Tennessee
Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Not sure else what this could be based on the
written description, although somewhat hesitant as I don't think I have
seen photos of a breeding plumage male documented in Utah in fall, which
is what the record is describing (not that it isn't possible, just much
more unlikely). Is a Temmessee Warbler related to a Temminick's Stint? :) |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I was a soft accept in the first round, but
after seeing other committee member's evaluations I agree with their
concerns. Changing my vote. |
|
Keeli M. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Description is supportive of ID, but seems late
for a male to still be in bright breeding plumage. White/pale under tail
coverts in combination with the rest of the plumage as described make it
hard to be much else that I can think of. |
|
2nd round: |
3 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
After reading other committee members' comments
I agree there are some concerns here based on the lack of photos and the
short observation time. I agree OCWA can not be fully ruled out based on
the observer's description. Changing my vote to No. |
|
Bryant
O. |
18 Sep 2024 |
To 2nd |
I'm concerned the observer is describing a
alternate plumage male with a gray head, fall TEWA don't usually have a
gray head, they should be lemon yellow, but many fall OCWA do show a gray
head? |
|
2nd round: |
26 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
Agree with Kris, too brief of a look and some
things don't add up. |
|
Kris P. |
30 Sep 2024 |
No, ID |
I don't think this observer had enough
time (few seconds) to see clearly and then describe well enough the
salient points of a Tennessee Warbler despite his emphasis on the pale
under-tail coverts.
- I can't fathom the use of the term "buffier" twice as a comparison with
the Orange-crowned Warbler given that buffy is a pale orange color and
Tennessees don't show that tone in any age, sex or season.
- The multiple colors used to describe the under-parts (grayer-buffier)
and the undertail coverts (creamy buffy-gray) are confusing and I don't
think match the Tennessee's appearance except for perhaps, creamy.
- No mention of the darker eye-line (which should have been present) than
in the Orange-crowned or the shorter tail which gives the Tennessee a
chunkier look. Of these two possibilities, at least the darker eye-line
should have been visible given he described the supercilium which is
defined by the eyeline at the lower border.
- My concerns of a couple features being off or not mentioned get me right
back to an observation time of only a few seconds and I don't think that
was enough time to assess and ID this bird. |
|
2nd round: |
25 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
Anecdotal records of Tennessee Warblers need to
be clear and this one is not. The description is off or some features are
missing either because the observer didn't see them or "few seconds" (what
does that mean? three? an unspecified low number more than two? I'm not
sure.) is not enough time to witness and claim this ID.
A factor I down-played in my first-round analysis is that the submitter
described an alternate plumage male, which is possible due to the species
varying molt strategy. But adding that unlikely plumage to a description
that's off, features not seen or just not mentioned to the possibility
that this was a 3-second view mean I'm still unwilling to accept this
record.
This is at least the third annecdotal Tennessee Warbler record during my
term where the observer was alone and some of the details just weren't
right. I still reject the idea that this species must have photo evidence
for us to accept a record, but I totally embrace the idea that if you're
reporting one you see while you're alone and you don't get convincing
photographs, all the details of the record must be right. |
|
Mike
S. |
14 Oct 2024 |
To 2nd |
I am not as confident in this record as I would
like to be, and I always feel much more confident with photos to discern
the subtle details separating fall TEWA from OCWA.
Having said that, I do believe the written details of the supercilium,
undertail coverts, and (to some extent) the overall coloration, appear to
be a match for a TEWA.
I do have some concern about the extensive variation of OCWA, combined
with the observer's lack of experience with TEWA. I know we have some seen
some examples of OCWA with undertail coverts that were quite pale,
although that being the "palest" area would also suggest a TEWA.
Leaning towards acceptance but interested to see what others think of this
record. |
|
2nd round: |
29 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I continue to have concerns with this record,
which appear to be echoed by others. The description is less than
definitive, and fact that this was a relatively brief observation by an
observer with no (or very limited) TEWA experience tips my decision to a
"no" vote. |
|
Dennis S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
To 2nd |
I want to see what concerns if any the committee members have. My main
concern includes the short one time observation and the wide variation in
plumages in Fall warblers, especially Orange-crowned which as pointed out
in the report is very similar to Tennessee. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I'm not convinced the report rules out an
Orange-crowned, even with the continued thin comparison of the two. |
|
Mark S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I don't think that the description rules out an
Orange-crowned. I would have liked to see more about the presence of an
eye-line (the description of the head sounds more like Orange-crowned),
and structure, particularly bill a tail shape.
It's hard to accept based upon the description of only a single field
mark, especially one that can be affected by lighting, plumage condition,
etc. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
As per my first round comments. |
|
David
W. |
10 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
I wish there had been more of a discussion of
structure, and I'm not entirely sanguine about the description of the
color of the undertail coverts, but I think the overall description
warrants a soft Accept, based more on an accumulation of soft field marks
rather than one definitive mark. |
|
2nd round: |
6 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I'll take a small step to the left and call this
a soft rejection rather than a soft acceptance. |
|
Kevin
W. |
11 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
The observer may well have seen a Tennessee
Warbler, and the description is perhaps fitting as such, but I'm a little
thrown by the descriptions always comparing to the present Orange-crowneds-
as in "Paler head," "paler and perhaps broader supercillium," etc.,
especially his emphasis on the vent being palest, and "pale creamy buffy-gray."
I feel like the vent should stand out as bold white, and I fail to detect
much in the description that would indicate that this isn't just an
extreme in plumage of Orange-crowned Warblers. |
|
2nd round: |
8 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I don't think that the information provided is
enough to rule out a different-looking Orange-crowned Warbler |
2024-67 Crested
Caracara
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
25 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Wonderful documentation photos for a really neat
but overdue first state record. Too bad it was another one-hit-wonder! |
|
Keeli M. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Description is supportive of ID, but seems late
for a male to still be in bright breeding plumage. White/pale under tail
coverts in combination with the rest of the plumage as described make it
hard to be much else that I can think of. |
|
Bryant
O. |
21 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Great photos leave no doubt, long overdue 1st
state record. |
|
Kris P. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Just amazing. |
|
Mike
S. |
14 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Given that there are CRCA records from Nevada,
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Canada, and numerous records from the northeast
and Great Lakes regions, it's a bit surprising it's taken this long to get
our first in Utah. Still, a very nice record! Too bad it didn't stick for
any subsequent observations. |
|
Dennis S. |
22 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
No question with excellent photos. |
|
Mark S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Amazing record, and unfortunately of so brief an
occurrence. Excellent photos. |
|
David
W. |
19 Sep 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent photos show this species. I'm not
aware of falconers using caracaras for their hobby. |
|
Kevin
W. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show distinct Crested Caracara. What a
record! |
2024-68 Ovenbird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
2 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
Although the cadence and rhythm looks okay for
Ovenbird, it should be getting louder through the song. I don't see why
this recording isn't just of a goldfinch? I found many recordings of them
on Macaulay doing similar little repetitive calls and I am not sure that
it isn't the only bird in the recording. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
No change in opinion, I had found an almost
identical recording of a goldfinch during my first round review, I tried
to re-find it in Macaulay but failed to do so. I agree with others that
this doesn't sound quite right for a singing Ovenbird (I won't try to
re-write Kris's well worded breakdown). |
|
Keeli M. |
18 Oct 2024 |
To 2nd |
Not sure what to make of this one. Audio sounds
like a good match, especially with the call that alternates with the
higher and lower notes, but the single toned call does sound pretty close
to a WIWA in pitch and tone. Hard to make a decision on an audio recording
alone. Observer makes a good case for OVEN. Interested in seeing what the
rest of the committee thinks. |
|
2nd round: |
22 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
Recording leaves too much doubt for ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
21 Sep 2024 |
No, ID |
Doesn't seem to match Ovenbird, particularly the
trait they have of starting soft and getting louder. I don't know what it
is, and its not our job to figure that out. But the evidence provided does
not prove that it was an Ovenbird. Not all birds can be IDed, its OK to
just say warbler sp. when you don't know, you don't know... |
|
2nd round: |
26 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
Recording does not match Ovenbird. Max may be on
to something with Goldfinch, much more likely and they can do weird stuff.
Habitat, time of year also make much more sense for Goldfinch. |
|
Kris P. |
11 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
This audio file is very strange due to poor
quality, atypical song and the possibility of two different birds.
- Distance from the subject(s), background noise and editing of the file
reduced or altered the bird sounds and led to poor-quality audio and
spectrographs in the eBird checklist
- Both songs differ from known Ovenbirds' primary song in pattern
(none-to-little increasing frequency and amplitude at the start resulting
in the iconic crescendo [noted as weak or missing by the submitter]). Both
the frequency and amplitude are consistent throughout the song sequences,
which is not typical of Ovenbirds. In addition, most Ovenbirds' primary
songs in Macaulay top out at about 12 kHz. These recordings achieve less
than 8 kHz. This may be because of distance/poor quality of the files, but
I can't tell.
-Significantly, the submitter assumed the subject bird sang two different
songs with no advocacy as to why the first one was an Ovenbird, and then
said the bird switched to a more "ovenbird-esque" song. But he didn't see
the bird. Not in the source literature for Ovenbird sounds and singing
behavior (Birds of the World species profile) nor in the many files I
searched in Macaulay Library does this spectrograph pattern of the first
song appear as an Ovenbird song as either the primary song, the
attenuated/flight song or the incomplete song.
There's just too much amiss here. |
|
2nd round: |
25 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I agree with Bryant that this one should
have been left unidentified in the field, and while I understand Mark's
noting the amazing timing of a singing out-of-range bird was not meant to
sway us either way, to me that timing of the song is one more odd thing
about this record.
While capturing evidence might be something of a holy grail for a birder,
not all evidence is good enough to establish the ID and this audio file
doesn't. |
|
Mike
S. |
21 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Audio recording establishes the ID. |
|
2nd round: |
25 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
Apologies for my late second round vote...
I listened to the recordings again with headphones, and agree with the
majority opinion that this song a bit "off" for an Ovenbird. I am hearing
some faint Lesser Goldfinch calls in the background, and I'm inclined to
agree with Max and Bryant that a goldfinch may be the most likely culprit
for the Ovenbird-esque call. |
|
Dennis S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I'm not convinced the weak audio is of an
Ovenbird. |
|
2nd round: |
26 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
No change in my thoughts. |
|
Mark S. |
2 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Pretty classic Ovenbird song; amazing that it
would be singing out-of-range in August. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
I still pretty clearly hear an Ovenbird in the
recordings; there really isn't anything else that sounds like this. The
recordings are not of a quality or volume that would allow parsing of the
subtleties of whether it shows a sufficient "crescendo" effect, but
Ovenbird has one of the most distinct and unique songs in NA.
Regarding the season, I don't have a great objection to that, just noting
that it's interesting. I just had a singing Ovenbird last week (bird seen)
here on its winter grounds, so maybe not as unusual as it seems. |
|
David
W. |
8 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
It does indeed sound like an ovenbird in both
variations of its song. I could not find an alternative better fit. |
|
2nd round: |
19 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
I appreciate the skepticism shown by my fellow
Committee members, especially as regards the lack of crescendo, but I will
go down with Mark on this one as a believer. At least we won't be lonely
on this sinking ship. I think both versions of the song match the Ovenbird
in both the recording (to my ear) and the sonograms (to my eye). So I will
stay with my vote to accept. |
|
Kevin
W. |
11 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I'm not sure what this song is, but it doesn't sound like any of the
recordings of Ovenbird that I can find. I'm curious if any committee
members with better call-ids can identify it. |
|
2nd round: |
8 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
No change in my thoughts |
2024-69 Parasitic
Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
10 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Looks good for PAJA, seen by others after the
first sighting with additional documentation. |
|
Keeli M. |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Thorough write-up and description of how other
species were eliminated. |
|
Bryant
O. |
4 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Kris P. |
23 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
A really excellent record, particularly of the
observations and analysis of the bird's flight behavior, and the recent
pelagic tour experience. |
|
Mike
S. |
4 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Good written description rules out similar
species. Photos may not be definitive, but they do give the overall
impression of PAJA and appear to be consistent with the description. |
|
Dennis S. |
4 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
No question about accuracy of ID. Thorough
report and photos. |
|
Mark S. |
4 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent written description/analysis; photos
confirm this species due to structure (bill, body shape, tail) and the
single wing flashes. |
|
David
W. |
1 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Good writeup. |
|
Kevin
W. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Good write-up, and the distant photos seem to
confirm the observational notes, even though it's hard to tell many
details. |
2024-70 Northern
Cardinal
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
10 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
This record leaves me with more questions than answers. 100 yards seems
pretty far away (in addition to the thick brush), a species that is not
prone to wander and is a resident in its range, no mention of other
possible or likely similar species. 7450 feet in elevation in February? 4
year old sighting from memory? I know cardinals would be pretty hard to
confuse with anything else but I don't know if there is enough here worth
considering. |
|
2nd round: |
14 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
Looks like the majority of folks have the same
concerns I had in the first round vote. No change of opinion. |
|
Keeli M. |
3 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
While it would be pretty hard to confuse a NOCA
for anything else I don't think the record provides enough evidence to
rule out tanagers or to fully support this record. |
|
2nd round: |
22 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
No change of opinion. I share the same
reservations as others. |
|
Bryant
O. |
11 Oct 2024 |
To 2nd |
Although their description seems good, this
record does not match the pattern of occurrence of this species. It is
EXCEPTIONALLY rare for NOCA to wander out of range, and the few records
west of the Rockies and north of the Grand Canyon have not occurred in
winter, also this species is not a species of high elevation mountains. So
this just does not match the pattern of occurrence of this bird and is
hard to swallow without evidence. There are some large red birds that are
much for likely in that habitat and season(Pine Grosbeak), and perhaps
since the observer is so familiar with NOCA that just saw a red bird and
made assumptions? I'm having a hard time accepting this one without
photos. |
|
2nd round: |
6 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I agree with others, this records is out of
season and habitat for the known pattern of occurrence of this species,
and so therefore would need very strong evidence to accept which is
completely lacking. Being from memory years after the fact also weakens
the case for this record. |
|
Kris P. |
11 Oct 2024 |
No, Nat |
Without photos or word description of certain
features so we can assess feather pigmentation and wear that might confirm
or refute captivity, I don't think this bird can be considered
naturally-occurring. Strawberry is a strange place for this species to
show up. I don't have a problem with proper ID given how distinct
cardinals are and Audrey's life experience. |
|
2nd round: |
9 Nov 2024 |
No, Nat |
I'll stay with my first-round conclusion. The
super-majority opinion (seven members) from the first round that the male
Northern Cardinal ID was likely or hard to mis-ID even if it's possible is
not enough to offset the unlikelihood of the other factors everyone
mentioned: anecdotal record/time/place/species habits/memory. |
|
Mike
S. |
29 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
I'm not sure what they saw, but evidence is
lacking for a Northern Cardinal. The fact that part of the ID is based on
memory several years later only adds to my concerns. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I do agree that the brief written description
appears match a Northern Cardinal. I suppose it is possible, but such an
odd location/season would raise additional concerns about provenance
(particularly for a bird not known to demonstrate much vagrancy). I still
believe the overall evidence is lacking for such an extreme rarity. |
|
Dennis S. |
15 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
It hard to accept a 4 year old record strickly
from memory and the winter February date in the high elevation location
(Strawberry Reservoir) even raises more concern. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
No additional thoughts. |
|
Mark S. |
9 Oct 2024 |
To 2nd |
I'm torn on this vote. The description sounds
good, and the species should be unmistakable, especially for someone very
familiar with it (though sometimes that itself can be deceptive, as you
"fill in" details that fit your impression with the familiar species, and
ignore similar, more common ones). However, it seems unlikely that an
adult male cardinal could be confused for anything.
Then there's always the question of provenance, that has been an issue
with previous sightings. But here we have an interesting issue in that the
location would seem odd for an escaped bird, however it would be equally
odd for a vagrant. The habitat, elevation, season, and remote location
simply don't fit well for either scenario.
So I come back to the idea that it was something else (perhaps Cassin's
Finch?) and that the description, especially from a memory not at all
recent, was influenced by her perception of what she thought she saw,
rather than what she actually saw.
In the end, I'm happy to punt it to the second round to see if others
share my concerns, though my inclination is to vote against this record,
more on grounds of misidentification, that seems most likely, than on
doubts of natural occurrence. |
|
2nd round: |
5 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
After seeing everyone's comments, my original
reservations are reinforced, and I don't see enough evidence here to
establish the i.d. for such an unusual sighting. |
|
David
W. |
8 Oct 2024 |
No, Nat |
It sounds very much like the observer saw a male
cardinal. However, no evidence is provided as to whether this was an
escapee, so I will vote conservatively in the first round. I am willing to
change my vote to accept if others offer convincing thoughts in that
direction. |
|
2nd round: |
6 Nov 2024 |
No, Nat |
There's just too much here that's odd about this
bird. |
|
Kevin
W. |
22 Oct 2024 |
No, ID |
The description fits and eliminates other
possibilities, but I'm hesitant to accept a record written from memory
four years after the fact without more convincing evidence (photos) -
particularly for a species that's only been accepted (as wild birds) twice
before. |
|
2nd round: |
8 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I still question this record without better
evidence. |
2024-71 Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
10 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
New species for Fish Springs NWR doesn't happen
every day. . . Great bird to wake up to! |
|
Keeli M. |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent discussion of how RNSA and hybrids
were ruled out. Photos show completed black border around red in throat,
no red nape, and messy white markings on the back. |
|
Bryant
O. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
We also saw this bird in the same area later
that afternoon, but the next morning both it and the WISA in the housing
area were not re-found. The RNSA at the spring was still present. |
|
Kris P. |
11 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Unequivocal in all features; excellent evidence |
|
Mike
S. |
29 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Looks like a solid adult male Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker. Nice find! |
|
Dennis S. |
15 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
The thorough comparisons with the Red-Naped and
accompaning photos leave little room for doubt. |
|
Mark S. |
9 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation, and photos that show
the important features. I see no overt signs of a hybrid. |
|
David
W. |
9 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Great writeup and photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
The photos show a bird that seems to be a clear
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; no red on nape, no red bleeding into the
completely black border of the throat, messy barring on the back. Looks
good to me. |
2024-72 Red
Phalarope
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Great find by one of our own - well documented |
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Very thorough write-up and good photos. Uniform
gray upperparts and thicker sturdier bill support ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
20 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Nice find |
|
Kris P. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
29 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Bill shape and plumage details confirm the ID.
Nice photos and description...
Thanks to Kris for returning to the area to confirm the ID after the
initial long range observation (likely would have been a much more
challenging record to review). |
|
Dennis S. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation and photos. |
|
David
W. |
1 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice writeup and photos. Liked the Avocet bit. |
|
Kevin
W. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
The photographs show a phalarope with thick
bill, plain gray back, eye patch, and even some red still in the throat
area. Seems to match Red Phalarope best. |
2024-73 Black-throated
Blue Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Very distinct bird, good photos. |
|
Bryant
O. |
20 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Kris P. |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
12 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show a distinctive male Black-throated
Blue Warbler. |
|
Dennis S. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. Interestingly, we're
having a serious influx of this species here in central Nayarit. We had
only one previous record, and this year there have been four sightings of
up to 3 individuals, including one I saw yesterday.
Must be a good year for them. |
|
David
W. |
20 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Well seen and documented by many. Great find. |
|
Kevin
W. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show distinct male Black-throated Blue
Warbler. |
2024-74 Ruff
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Good documentation photos. |
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice direct comparison with the yellow-legs.
Good photo support for ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show a female Reeve, although the written
record does a poor job eliminating other species. |
|
Kris P. |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
21 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice documentation, observed by many. Since
there are better photos on eBird than the ones attached to this record, I
would recommend linking to some of those checklists. For example, I
noticed there are some very nice photos in David, Lauri, and Vivian's
checklist from November 3. |
|
Dennis S. |
31 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Not a very thorough report, but based on marginal
photos, other observations the following days by a number of birders, and
the few distinguishing characters noted it was enough for acceptance. The
oranger legs,- compared to the accompaning yellowlegs, pattern of lighter
margined back feathers with darker centers, overall dull gray plumage, and
the ruffling of the scapular back feathers as noted in B1 photo all helped
to accept this record. |
|
Mark S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show a Ruff. |
|
David
W. |
1 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show Ruff. |
|
Kevin
W. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
The orange legs, light-edged feathers, and light
chest seem to eliminate other possibilities. Not the greatest pics, but I
can't turn it into anything else.. |
2024-75 Red
Phalarope
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
22 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Good documentation by many. |
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Smooth gray back, solid, thick bill, good
supporting photos. |
|
Bryant
O. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Kris P. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
21 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice written documentation and photos rule out
similar species. |
|
Dennis S. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation; photos. |
|
David
W. |
1 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
8 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show the plain back, thick bill, and
isolated eye-patch of a Red Phalarope. |
2024-76 Pomerine
Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Great find by Kris Purdy (she is on a streak!) |
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Very thorough write-up, and photos show
supporting bill and tail characteristics. |
|
Bryant
O. |
26 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Kris alerted me of the presence of a possible
Pomarine Jaeger at Farmington Bay so I gave chase, and quickly found the
bird about 150m out west of the main dike road. I watched it in the scope
for over half an hour, mostly preening and loafing on the water but then
it got up flew around, re-landed, then flew some more only to land far
out. My general impression: Very large and bulky, when I initially saw it
I though a juvy Herring due to overall bulk. Bill was very thick and long
with a prominent nail at tip. Had a fierce flat headed and big eyed look.
Very short primary projection past tail when sitting on the water. As it
was preening I was able to view the tail and undertail coverts in good
detail. UTC were heavily barred black and white, and the shape of R1 was
very short and blunt. When it flew it had very broad based wings and a
hefty bulky, short tailed look, flight was powerful and direct with deep
leisurely wing beats, rather gull like. I was able to look at the u
nderwings in photos and see the "double flash" of white from the base of
the primaries and primary coverts. All of this added up to Pomarine and I
agree with Kris's assessment. My photos here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S200253673 |
|
Kris P. |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
3 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Good photos and excellent written description.
Structural details combined with flight style, boldly patterned undertail
coverts, and other subtle plumage details all help to eliminate similar
species. Nice record! |
|
Dennis S. |
31 Oct 2024 |
Acc |
Thorough report. Great effort to complete
correct Id of bird and separate from other jaegers. An amazing observation
of it killing a Franklin's Gull. Sure glad the observer didn't weep when
it flew away - luckly returning. |
|
Mark S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation; bill characters alone
confirm the i.d. |
|
David
W. |
1 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Convincing writeup and photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Great descriptions eliminate other
possibilities. The uniform-colored head, thick bill, and bulky body
convince me. |
2024-77 Lawrence's
Goldfinch
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Great documentation photos. |
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent photos. They're having quite the
irruption this year. |
|
Bryant
O. |
6 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
What else is there to say except WOW! Excellent
write up and photos. |
|
Kris P. |
12 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Distinctive bird; excellent observational notes
and photos. |
|
Mike
S. |
21 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice description with definitive photos of a
male Lawrence's Goldfinch. At least a few other birders searched for this
bird over the next couple of days but I don't believe it has been
re-found. |
|
Dennis S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Great photos! |
|
Mark S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation and photos. |
|
David
W. |
5 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Amazing photos and very detailed writeup. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show distinctive face and body pattern of
a Lawrence's Goldfinch. |
2024-78 Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
14 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Very nice looking bird and great record for the
county. |
|
Keeli M. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Undeniably a scissor-tailed flycatcher. Good
photos. |
|
Bryant
O. |
8 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation |
|
Kris P. |
12 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Unmistakable adult male. A nice record for Grand
County. |
|
Mike
S. |
21 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice photos show a distinctive Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher! |
|
Dennis S. |
10 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Great photos! |
|
Mark S. |
5 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent photos, good documentation. |
|
David
W. |
8 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Lovely individual well photographed. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show distinctive color and long-tail of
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. |
2024-79 Magnolia
Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
14 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
The description and elimination of other species
leaves something to be desired. No mention of wingbars or lack there of?
No mention of yellow rump? I am torn here - although sparse, the
elimination of other species seems to be pretty comprehensive. Also it
looks like the observer has photographed and observed many easter warblers
in Canada based on his eBird profile. This is a very soft accept (I
originally had no about halfway through writing this), but with the
exception of an almost impossible Kirtland's Warbler I can't think of any
western warbler that this might be confused with given the black flanks? |
|
2nd round: |
14 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
Over thought this one. I agree with others and
changing my vote. |
|
Keeli M. |
30 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
The description is a little incomplete for me
for a sighting without photo evidence, and I don't feel like the observer
did a thorough enough job ruling out other possible species. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
Continuing to vote no for the same reasons.
Details are lacking and leave room for doubt about ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
13 Nov 2024 |
To 2nd |
There are a number of field marks not mentioned
I'd like to see in a MAWA record, such as the distinctive tail pattern,
wingbars, and eyering. Not sure what warbler they saw, but I'm not sure if
enough was seen to make a clear ID. Also concerned of lack of specific
location, where exactly in St. George? What was the habitat? City park?
Virgin river? Red Cliffs Canyon? |
|
2nd round: |
11 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
My concerns were echoed by other, too few field
marks described for solid ID |
|
Kris P. |
16 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
The details of this record as so sparse they
don't minimally describe the bird or eliminate a host of other species.
After the Yellow-rumped Warbler, the Magnolia is probably the most likely
of the gray, black, yellow and white warblers in October, but probability
doesn't substitute for the lacking description. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
No change of opinion. |
|
Mike
S. |
16 Dec 2024 |
To 2nd |
I've had some difficulty with this record, and
initially thought I would reject based on the very limited description.
However, that limited description does appear to match a Magnolia Warbler
better than anything else. I am open to giving the observer the benefit of
the doubt, although there is admittedly no margin for error. |
|
2nd round: |
13 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
Despite David's confident declaration that this
was a Kirtland's Warbler, I believe the observer likely saw something
else. However, the description is very brief, and I cannot be sure that
"something else" was a Magnolia Warbler.
(...in case it wasn't obvious...yes, I am just pulling David's leg...)
|
|
Dennis S. |
24 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
Report not convincing enough for acceptance.
Leaves many questions concerning elimination of other warblers - immatures
and non-breeding adults. |
|
Mark S. |
5 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
I don't think this description rules out Yellow-rumped
Warbler. Though the observer seems experienced, I'm puzzled by the lac of
description of the under tail - the most distinctive feature of Magnolia
Warbler. |
|
David
W. |
22 Nov 2024 |
No, ID |
I was going to vote to accept, but then I did a
search through my field guides and found an alternative perfect match to
the few field marks presented in this writeup: the Kirtland's warbler.
Now, lest I be accused of trying to pad the Utah list, I want to head off
any groans regarding suggesting the possibility of a species that until
recently looked like it was heading for the extinction bin. I am not
saying this WAS a Kirtland's warbler, just that the description in this
record was a bit Spartan and left the possibility open for some other bird
to fly through -- I don't like playing the probability game when it comes
to rarities. This just goes to show that less is not necessarily more when
it comes to rare bird writeups. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
I think I'll stay with my first round vote. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
The combination of Bright yellow breast with
bold black streaks and gray head without yellow eliminates other
possibilities, including rare ones that the observer indicates. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Dec 2024 |
No, ID |
I change my vote. I agree with others that the
details are too sparse for definitive identification, and that it could
have been a different species. |
2024-80 Red
Phalarope
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
14 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Looks good for Red Phalarope - great find by
KRPU |
|
Keeli M. |
30 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Good size comparison between phalarope sp. in
the photos showing a chunkier bird with a thicker bill and a smooth gray
back. |
|
Bryant
O. |
13 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos and description consistent with Red
Phalarope. Too bad it wasn't the Red that was in full Alternate plumage. I
have also seen Alternate plumage RNPH very late in Oct-Nov, wonder if Red
ever do that too? |
|
Kris P. |
16 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
6 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Nice record with notable size/structural
differences from nearby RNPH. The mostly plain gray back is also
noteworthy. It's a strange side-by-side comparison with the alternate
plumage RNPH, given that RNPH are usually in mostly basic plumage by the
end of July! |
|
Dennis S. |
18 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
5 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. |
|
David
W. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Nice writeup, though perhaps almost terse by
Kristin's standard. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
The phalorope in the photos shows a plain back
and distinctive eye patch. The bill seems thick in some photos (others
maybe not so much) - it looks like a Red Phalarope to me. |
2024-81 Red
Phalaropoe
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
14 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Possibly the same bird lingering, maybe further
along in molt? Hard to say - but regardless looks good for REPH |
|
Keeli M. |
30 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Smooth gray back, chunkier bird with chunkier
bill. Looks good for REPH |
|
Bryant
O. |
13 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Photos and description consistent with Red
Phalarope. |
|
Kris P. |
16 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mike
S. |
11 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Maybe not quite as straightforward as the other
Red Phalarope records we've recently reviewed, but I believe the
combination of photos and written description still establish the REPH ID. |
|
Dennis S. |
18 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
5 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. |
|
David
W. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
I especially enjoyed the description of the
shape: "Like a crescent with one side (the neck and head) longer and
taller." |
|
Kevin
W. |
10 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Photos show distinctive face pattern, thick
bill, and unpatterned back- distinguishing characteristics of Red
Phalarope |
2024-82 Magnolia
Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Max M. |
27 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Good write-up eliminating similar species. |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Observer adequately rules out other species and
thoroughly describes the unique color patterning supports ID. Observation
time was very short, which does concern me a little bit, but I think
observer's experience with this species and description supports ID.
|
|
Bryant
O. |
16 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
This is what a sight record of a MAWA should
look like, tail pattern-check, wingbars-check, eyering-check. All the
field marks unique to this species were noted in the record. |
|
Kris P. |
17 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Includes diagnostic features, especially the
tail pattern and tail-fanning behavior, and a fairly complete description
that eliminates other species. |
|
Mike
S. |
11 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
The written description establishes the ID.
Similar species are adequately eliminated. |
|
Dennis S. |
24 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Much more thorough report. Does good job
eliminating conflicting closely resembling species. |
|
Mark S. |
5 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Good description. |
|
David
W. |
22 Nov 2024 |
Acc |
Very nice writeup with a good elimination of
similar species. I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that the
tail description eliminates the Kirtland's warbler. |
|
Kevin
W. |
10 Dec 2024 |
Acc |
Descriptions seems thorough and eliminates other
species. |
|