Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2014-016a


Common name:

Orchard Oriole

Scientific name: Icterus spurius
Date: May 31, 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Length of time observed: Observed: 20 to 30 minutes
Number: 1
Age: n/a
Sex: male
Location: Norm Jenson's residence in Sandy
County: Salt Lake
Latilong: n/a
Elevation: n/a
Distance to bird: 100 yards - in tree top
Optical equipment: binoculars
Weather: light wind, 70s
Light Conditions: bright and clear
Description:        Size of bird: approx. 7 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: small and compact
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: ead black, body chestnut color
(Description:)            Bill Type: short and black
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
The bird was out in the open for several other birders to get pictures. The white on the wings could be seen. It sat out so every one there could look for all the necessary details.
Song or call & method of delivery: no sound
Behavior: relaxed and sitting on a branch of the tree
Habitat: tall broad leaf trees
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
utah's common oriole is the bullock's - it was different in several ways - it's head was all black compared to the bullock's. the breast was chestnut, bullock's orange.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I had seen several at North Platte, Neb.on several occasions
References consulted: sibley- northern geographic
Description from: From memory
Observer: Ned Bixler
Observer's address: 1156 N 2920 W Provo, Ut
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: there were approx. two groups of 12 other birders there at that different times
Date prepared: 5-31-14
Additional material: alot of pictures were taken by other birders
Additional_Comments: this bird had also been seen earlier in the day by several birders