Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Nelson's Sparrow
Scientific name:	Ammospiza nelsoni
Date:	9/1/19
Time:	9:08 am
Length of time observed:	15 seconds
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
County:	Box Elder
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	20 ft
Optical equipment:	10x50 binoculars
Weather:	Sunny, no wind
Light Conditions:	Excellent, bird facing sun
Description: Size of bird:	Sparrow-sized
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Sparrow-shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Brown, grey and orange
(Description:) Bill Type:	Small and pointed
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	It had an orange face with a grey cheek spot, a grey central crown stripe, and a grey nape. The wings were an unmarked reddish brown and it had a striped back and flanks. The belly was white and the chest lacked any chest spots.
Song or call & method of delivery:	Not vocal
Behavior:	Hopping around on the ground, then flew back into the reeds.
Habitat:	Marsh
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The orange face was a key field mark to eliminate more common species, and the plain wings, grey nape, and grey head stripe were key field marks that eliminated LeConte's Sparrow.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Seen in West Virginia.
References consulted:	Field guides
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ian Batterman
Observer's address:	8538 S. Harvard Park Dr
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	9/1/19
Additional material:
Additional comments: