Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2019-45


Common name:

Bronzed Cowbird

Scientific name: [Molothrus aeneus]
Date: 9/25/17
Time: 10 am
Length of time observed: 15 minutes
Number: 1
Age: m
Sex:  
Location: Arches Natl Park, on path to delicate arch, by stream and greenery at abandoned homesite,
County: grand
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 30 ft
Optical equipment: nikon 8 x 42 binoculars
Weather: sunny, warm
Light Conditions:  
Description:        Size of bird: 9 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: plump, hunchback
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: black, glossy brone, iridescent blue green wing
(Description:)            Bill Type: very thick
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
distinctive bold red eye
thicker bill than any other blackbird ive seen
fairly big body shape, big head, hunchback type of look
Song or call & method of delivery:  
Behavior: just hanging out near stream. perched on fence and in brush
Habitat: its a desert area. found in a green area alongside stream
I was on a 5 park tour. found this bird initially because attracted by a couple nearby yellow headed blackbirds. Saw from the trail from parking lot to delicate arch
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Elimination: cant find any other blackbird with such a distinctive red eye and thick bill and broad body shape. No brown on this bird like there is on common cowbirds
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
 
References consulted: Natl Geog field guide; ibird pro and audubon apps
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Kevin J O'Connor
Observer's address: 18206 24th Ave N, Plymouth Mn 55447
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: no other birders on this tour sorry
Date prepared: 12/26/19
Additional material:  
Additional comments: I guess you discovered me because I entered my historical trip checklists on ebird recently. Sorry I have no other details besides what Ive written here from my original notes, since this observation was 2 years ago.