Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Winter Wren
Scientific name:	Troglodytes hiemalis
Date:	10/31/2023 (first observed)
Time:	5:15 PM
Length of time observed:	Observed: ~5 minutes between all observations
Number:	1
Age:	Unknown
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Brooks Nature Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37.1163120, -113.5825607
Elevation:	2,950 ft
Distance to bird:	15-20 ft
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars & 500 mm lens
Weather:	Clear, calm
Light Conditions:	Variable, mostly in shadows
Description: Size of bird:	tiny wren
(Description:) Basic Shape:	small blob with stumpy tail
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	dark & pale brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	thin, straight
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Initially found on 10/31 then also observed on 11/2 and 11/3. Starting with links to my eBird checklists since they contain they most important (audio) documentation: 10/31 - audio only: 11/2 - best audio (3 recordings), plus photos: 11/3 - photos only: Here are some notes copied from my 10/31 eBird checklist: Small, dark wren with stubby tail, obvious Winter/Pacific. Bird was very skulky so I didn t get great looks (saw a few times but each was either obstructed or fleeting in fairly low light). Wouldn't have even seriously considered WIWR until I heard it call for about 20 seconds, which I immediately recorded. I initially didn't have a strong opinion on the ID. However, I immediately played (quietly) both WIWR and PAWR calls using Sibley app, and WIWR was obviously a better match for what I had just heard. As mentioned, initially I didn t see much to base the ID off of visually. I did note the distinctive structure of Winter/Pacific, barring on wings and tail, a pale brownish supercilium, and some pale neck speckling. Under-parts were not seen well. WIWR ID was initially somewhat tentative, but all doubt was erased during follow-up research and additional recordings/photos obtained during return visits on 11/2 and 11/3. Additional description below in Similar Species section...
Song or call & method of delivery:	"Jip" calls and "chatter" calls both heard. Calls not as shrill/piercing as PAWR. "Jip" call similar to familiar Song Sparrow call. Refer to eBird checklists for recordings...
Behavior:	Usually skulking low to ground, usually concealed. Occasionally spent time in low to mid cottonwood tree branches above eye level.
Habitat:	Small pond/riparian patch, adjacent to residential area
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Pacific Wren is very similar, often with overlapping features. However, this individual showed more overall contrast and patterning than would I would expect from a PAWR. I believe this is most evident in the breast, sides of neck, and upper-parts, which would be more smooth brown on PAWR. Supercilium and throat contrast (more apparent in some photos than others) does appear within range of variation for Winter Wren, although not as distinct as what is shown on some individuals. Totality of features appears to point towards WIWR. Most importantly, I believe the several audio recordings and eBird spectograms are diagnostic, almost perfectly matching other WIWR examples. I couldn't find any PAWR examples that closely resemble my recordings.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Winter Wren: No previous experience Pacific Wren: Observed at least annually
References consulted:	Sibley Bird App, and Sibley article on distinguishing Pacific and Winter Wrens (from 2010):
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	Ivins, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Subsequently observed by John Schijf, Paul Hicks, Paul Jaussi, Maurice DeMille, Natalie Tanner, Ken Hinton, Karen Lombard, and possibly others.
Date prepared:	11/4/2023
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: