Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2005-13
| Common name: |
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher |
| Scientific name: | Tyrannus forficatus |
| Date: | 22 May 2005 |
| Time: | Approx 9 am |
| Length of time observed: | 3-4 Minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Poss juvenile |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Along Notom-Bullfrog Rd at or near Notom ranch, approx 5 mi So of Hwy 24 |
| County: | Wayne |
| Latilong: | 38 deg N, 111 deg W |
| Elevation: | unknown |
| Distance to bird: | 50 ft, Clear unobstructed view of entire bird |
| Optical equipment: | Binoculars-8x36 Bushnells, Greg; 8x35 Leicas, Clare |
| Weather: | Clear, sunny, 80s |
| Light Conditions: | Excellent. We were driving south, bird was perched on right side fencewire, sun was to our left. |
| Description: Size of bird: | Robin-sized, but more slender |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Slender with tail longer than body |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Light grey body & head, darker grey wings, black tail |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Black |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Long, thin streamers extended about 3-4" beyond tail. Very light pink on sides and short streamers could indicate possible juvenile. Deeply forked tail and streamers very evident in flight. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Not heard. |
| Behavior: | Perched on fence wire. Flew a short distance and then back to fence. Finally flew back about 50 yds from road to a clump of trees. |
| Habitat: | Ranchsite, on fencewire dividing irrigated grassy field from road. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Light grey head eliminated fork-tailed flycatcher. Light grey front with light pinkish sides and tail streamers eliminated western kingbird. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
First observed 15 September 1984 in Oklahoma & observed in Texas on several
occasions. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide to Birds, Peterson Guide to Western birds consulted while bird was in sight. |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Clare & Greg Oskay |
| Observer's address: | 551 Teton Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46217 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | coskay@hkeco.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | none |
| Date prepared: | 5 June 2005 |
| Additional material: | No_additional_Materials |
| Additional comments: | Please notify us if sighting is accepted, not accepted or published. |