Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Rusty Blackbird
Scientific name:	Euphagus carolinus
Date:	11/28/17
Time:	10:48 am
Length of time observed:	12 minutes
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:	male
Location:	Boulder Town main pond
County:	Garfield
Latilong:	37.9029657,-111.4243271
Elevation:	6700'
Distance to bird:	15-30 ft
Optical equipment:	10x binoculars
Weather:	fair, mid-50s
Light Conditions:	bright, no clouds
Description: Size of bird:	~9 in
(Description:) Basic Shape:	blackbird with medium length tail
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	black with rusty head
(Description:) Bill Type:	long, slender, slightly decurved
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I was alerted to its presence by a flight call that was different than the typical Brewer's calls I am accustomed to here. The solitary bird flew up from the pond and landed in an aspen, and in flight I immediately assumed it was a Brewer's. After landing, I was struck by how rusty the head and chest appeared. The wings and tail were dark and there was a dark patch around the eye. On closer inspection, I felt the decurved bill and rounded tail also fit the description of rusty blackbird. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Flight call that I can only describe as different than that of Brewer's
Behavior:	Mostly seen perched in aspens, but briefly observed wading along the edge of the pond in a manner I have seen in other rusty blackbirds
Habitat:	Aspens surrounding the reedy pond
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Rustier head than even the rusty-appearing Brewer's photos I could find online. The bill seemed more slender and decurved. The shape of the tail appeared more rounded along the edge.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Not within the past 3 years, but multiple encounters during my years in Pennsylvania, mostly in the fall. Frequent encounters with Brewer's during my 3 years in Utah.
References consulted:	Sibley guide, Birding in Utah Facebook group, other internet resources
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ryan McDermott
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	12/5/17
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	The bird was present until I had to go into work, but could not be relocated after work or the following two days.