Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Vaux's Swift
Scientific name:	Chaetura vauxi
Date:	4/29/25
Time:	2:20 pm
Length of time observed:	2 minutes. (2-1 minute observations.)
Number:	1 possibly 2
Age:	Mature
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	The edge of Hurricanes water treatment plant.
County:	Washington
Latilong:	?
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	40
Optical equipment:	Zeiss binoculars 10x 42
Weather:	10-15 mph breeze, broken clouds
Light Conditions:	Bright light
Description: Size of bird:	Small
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Had the Swift arc to the wings with blunt tail.
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Brownish gray overall with light breast and throat.
(Description:) Bill Type:	Did not observe.
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I ve been seeing many White throated Swifts in our trek through this region which have significant white on them and are larger. The fluttering wings immediately caught my attention while observing the Rough winged Swallows overhead. Then I noted the lack of bright white that is on most swifts here. The more squared off tail also caught my attention as I observed it. The dirty light color white on its breast and throat was also noted. I was not able to observe its back well at all as it was directly over me most of the time.
Song or call & method of delivery:	N/A
Behavior:
Habitat:	The water treatment plant seems to produce an ample supply of insects for birds.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The RWSW were quite numerous but relatively easy to differentiate from a swift. Similar size but different shape and wing beat. As I said, it had no bright white like the throat and breast on the WTSWs I have seen so many of down here but it didn t have it on the flanks either.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Being from the Pacific Northwest, we see them fairly often in appropriate habitat. My home is in Pasco, WA where they are not seen often at all but other parts of Washington I do observe them.
References consulted:
Description from:
Observer:	Richard Laubach
Observer's address:	181 Michelle Rd. Pasco, WA 99301
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Alone.
Date prepared:	4/30/25
Additional material:	No_additional_Materials
Additional comments:	I hope my attempt to relate the sighting helps you in keeping good records and I wish you the best.