Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2005-40(R83)
1983 sighting resubmitted in October 2005
Information for this record is taken from a UFO sight record prepared 22 May 1983.


Common name:

Veery

Scientific name: Hylocichla fuscescens  [now: Catharus fuscescens]
Date: 21 May 1983
Time: 1015 - 1130
Length of time observed: 15 + 3 + 5
Number: one
Age: Adult - breeding
Sex:  
Location: Antelope Island, at ranch woods.
County:  
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: Variable 15' to 50'
Optical equipment: 7x35 binoculars
Weather: Clear, warm 60 - 70 deg. F., calm general high in morning.  [Prior weather]  Persistent storms, rain & wind from NW from many days up to 19 May.  20 May clearing.
Light Conditions: open shade, good light
Description:        Size of bird:  
(Description:)       Basic Shape:  
(Description:)  Overall Pattern:  
(Description:)            Bill Type:  
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
A rich red-brown on all upper surfaces.  Under parts mostly white.  Throat mottled or indistinctly spotted, dark on buff background.  Breast & belly white.  Dark eye, no eye ring seen.  5-6" long, body shape like smaller scale robin but not as heavy in body.
Seen several minutes at three different times during in hour's period.
[Variations form expected field marks]  Brown of head and back quite red - artist's color of
Redder than veery seen in east (PA & N.Y.)
Song or call & method of delivery: No sounds heard
Behavior: Fed on ground, moved through undergrowth not more than 1' - 2' above ground, moved every few seconds but only 1' to 3' each time.  Seen for 1-2 minutes with Hermit Thrush within 2'.  No apparent interaction.
Habitat: Wettest portion of riparian-type woods along bank of small stream or swampy area, east of ranch spring house.  Moved once to base of Russian Olive grove nearby to S.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Hermit Thrush - Less uniform color of back, more pronounced breast spots with extend further down on belly
Swainson's thrush - Has tan or buff eye ring, more distinct breast spots
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Have seen in Cache County, singing on perch, seen also in Penna. & N.Y. state.  Hermit & Swainson's Thrushes well known and seen several times at same place on Antelope Island.
References consulted:  
Description from: Notes made at time of sighting
Observer: Donald A. Hadley
Observer's address: 111 E. 3700 S.., Bountiful, Utah 84010   [phone] 801-292-1376
Observer's e-mail address:  
Other observers who independently identified this bird: John Belmon, Sunset, Utah
Ogden Audubon & U.F.O.
And other Ogden Audubon members
See Belmon's report same date [not in files]
Date prepared: 22 May 83
Additional material:  
Additional comments: