Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Grasshopper Sparrow
Scientific name:	Ammodramus savannarum
Date:	10-09-09
Time:	11:30 - 12:00
Length of time observed:	~ 15 minutes
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:
Location:	Lytle Ranch, Beaver Dam Wash
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:	~ 850 m
Distance to bird:	5-10 m
Optical equipment:	10 x 42 binoculars
Weather:	clear
Light Conditions:	direct sunlight
Description: Size of bird:	small
(Description:) Basic Shape:	sparrow
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	mottled brown and buff
(Description:) Bill Type:	conical
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	secretive, small, stocky sparrow with a flat head and short tail. Head with intricate pattern, including bold white eyering, yellow supraloral region, dark brown cheeks, and dark auricular spot. crown with two dark brown stripes dissected by a pale whitish center crown stripe. Upperparts and wings mottled brown, buff, and chestnut. Pale whitish buff throat, chest, belly, and undertail coverts, with a buffy chest band with indistinct streaking. Short tail dark brown and forked. Bill triangular, pinkish with dark gray culmen. Eyes black. Legs and feet pink. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	na
Behavior:	foraging in grassy area in orchard and alfalfa field. When flushed, short quick flights and drop quickly into dense foliage.
Habitat:	orchard and alfalfa field adjacent to desert riparian area
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Leconte's and Sharp-tailed Sparrows with rich buffy yellow-orange eyestripes and gray auricular patches. Baird's, Henslow, and Savannah Sparrows with more extensive dark streaking on breast.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	yes
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	rfridell@redrock.net
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	10-05-10
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments:	.