Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2016-23
| Common name: |
Upland Sandpiper |
| Scientific name: | Bartramia longicauda |
| Date: | August 31, 2016 |
| Time: | 9:13 am |
| Length of time observed: | 22 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | West Golden Spike Drive North |
| County: | Box Elder County |
| Latilong: | 41.633694, -112.535352 |
| Elevation: | unknown |
| Distance to bird: | 75 feet approximately |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon D810 with 500mm lens + 1.4x Tc, effectively 700mm |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Light Conditions: | Bright |
| Description: Size of bird: | 11 to 12 inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | medium sized shorebird with upright posture |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | cryptic browns, tans, buff -browns |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | short with dark tip |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Long yellow legs, short yellow bill with dark tip, small head, large eyes with
light orbital ring and long tail. Gray patterned under the wing, speckled brown
chevrons on upper chest, light colored belly and ventral area. Mostly brown back
and upper wings. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Near constant chattering call probably due to the close proximity of a Golden Eagle. |
| Behavior: | Believe the Upland Sandpiper was chattering because of a Golden Eagle about three power poles away. It kept its neck down and repeatedly lifted its wings. |
| Habitat: | sagebrush |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Eliminated Buff-breasted Sandpiper because they have shorter legs and tails, they have dark bills and a buffy wash from their necks to their bellies that this bird does not have. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
None |
| References consulted: | Sibely's Guide to Western Birds, iBird Pro app |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mia McPherson |
| Observer's address: | 896 W Riverbend Dr, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Ron Dudley also saw and photographed the sandpiper. |
| Date prepared: | 8/31/2016 |
| Additional material: | eBird report with images Photos |
| Additional comments: | Link to eBird report and images: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S31347190 |