Fifteenth Report of the Utah Birds Records Committee – NOVEMBER, 2007
Rick Fridell, Kristin Purdy, Ron Ryel, Terry Sadler, Mark Stackhouse, Larry Tripp, David Wheeler, Dennis Shirley (Secretary), Milton Moody [Webmaster]
The fifteenth report of the Utah Bird Records Committee summarizes 60 records of 48 species submitted in 2006. This includes sixteen old records (from 1978 to 1983) that had not previously been reviewed by the Committee. The Committee accepted 43 records. Those records not accepted were due primarily to insufficient descriptive details that failed to eliminate similar species. Additionally, in some cases, lapsed time between observation date and written report date, lack of supporting physical evidence [photographs, taped song recordings, multiple observers], and the possibility of the bird being an escaped tame or caged bird, detracted from the validity of a record.
The following committee members participated in the review of the records included in this report: Rick Fridell, Kristin Purdy, Ron Ryel, Terry Sadler, Mark Stackhouse, Larry Tripp, Merrill Webb and David Wheeler.
This report adds four species to the checklist of the birds of Utah. First state records for Glossy Ibis, Gray Hawk, Pacific Golden-Plover, and Western Gull, were accepted by the Committee, bringing the total for the Utah bird list to 435 species.
All records evaluated by the Committee are listed by common and scientific name using the nomenclature and taxonomic order of the 7th American Ornithologist=s Union Check-list of North American Birds, 47th supplement. The following information is included with each record: common name, scientific name, record number, the number of records accepted for this species in the last ten years followed by the total number of official sightings for Utah (in parenthesis), the number of birds observed along with age and sex if known, sighting location, occurrence date, observers with the initial finder listed first, observer(s) who submitted written documentation of the record, observer(s) who submitted photographs or videos, and the final-round vote of the committee (in parenthesis) with the first number being the “accept” votes and the second number being the “not-accept” votes.
The Utah Bird Records Committee would like to thank those individuals who submitted documentation of their sightings. The Committee encourages all observers to document and submit a report of unusual sightings. Multiple documentation of sightings is more valuable than a single report, since one observer may notice key field marks not reported by other observers; those field marks may contribute significantly to the value of the record. The submission of photographs and recordings of songs or calls, along with the written documentation is strongly encouraged by the Committee.
Records reviewed by the UBRC:
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor). 2006-03 (1/3). Three adults were seen along the Bear River Refuge Road in Box Elder Co., on 21 Jan 2006 by Kristin M. Purdy, Paul Higgins, Randy Chatelain, Betsy Beneke, Marie Reed, Glenn Barlow, Cindy and Steve Sommerfeld, Bob McDougal. Documentation was provided by KMP and photographs by PH and RC. This is the first documented Utah record since 1969. 7 Y - 0 N
TUFTED DUCK (Aythya fuligula). 2006-26. One adult male was seen near Alton in Kane Co., on 11 or 12 Jun 1998, by Mark Stackhouse and on 12 Jun 1998 by Larene Wyss and Lyn Christiansen. Documentation was provided by LW and a photograph by MS. Although the Committee had no serious doubt about the identification, they felt the timing of the observation, marginal photographs, and the possibility it was an escapee, left them with unanswered questions. This would have been a first of state bird and as such a higher standard is the rule. 3rd: 4 Y - 3 N
BLACK SCOTER (Melanitta nigra). 2006-14(R82) (0/7). One adult female was seen along the Antelope Island Causeway in Davis Co., on 13 Nov 1982 by Merrill Webb, Mark Bromley, Ella Sorensen and Michael Tove and again on 14 Nov 1982 by MT, Alan Gronon, others. Documentation was provided by MW and MT. 7 Y - 0 N
RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata). 2006-22 (5/7). One individual was seen at Willard Bay State Park in Box Elder Co., on 17 May 2006 by Keith Evans, Jack Rensel, and others. Documentation and a photograph were provided by KE. 7 Y - 0 N
RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena) 2006-19 (6/9). An adult was seen at the Willard Reservoir in Box Elder Co., on 20 May 2006 by Kristin Purdy and Bob Huntington and on 23 May 2006 by Brian Currie. Documentation was provided by KP and a photo by BC. 7 Y - 0 N
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea). 2006-02. One juvenile was reported on the south airport dyke of the Provo City Airport, in Utah Co., on 13 Sep 2003 by Lynn Garner. Documentation provided by LG. The Committee felt that an immature snowy egret could not be ruled out. 0 Y - 7 N
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus). 2006-24 (1/1). One adult was seen in Benson, Cache Co., on 5 Jun 2006 by Ron Ryel, and Melanie and later on 18 Jun 2006 by Joel and Kathy Beyer. Documentation was provided by RR and J&KB. This is a first state record. 7 Y - 0 N
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus). 2006-25 (2/2). An adult was seen at 1000 N, 1000 W. in Cache Valley, Cache Co., on 10 Jun 2006 by David Wheeler and Larene Wyss. Documentation was provided by DW. 7 Y - 0 N
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus). 2006-27 (3/3). One adult was seen at Bear River MBR in Box Elder Co., on 24 and 25 Jun 2006 by Jack Binch, Dana Green, Bob Huntington, and Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld. Documentation and photographs were provided by JB. This was the third record for this first state species in the month of June. 7 Y - 0 N
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (Buteo lineatus). 2006-15. An adult was seen at the West Jordan Municipal Airport in Salt Lake Co. on 2 Apr 2006 by Edson Leite. Documentation was provided by EL and was reviewed by the committee although this species had been taken off the Review List. . (It will be recorded on the “Special Sightings” list).
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus). 2006-16 (6/15). Five adults were seen in the foothills below Grandeur Peak in Salt lake Co., on 25 Apr 2006 by Jerry Liguori. Documentation and photographs were provided by JL. 7 Y - 0 N
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus). 2006-49 (7/16). Four adults and two juveniles were reported near Grandeur Peak in Salt lake Co., on 23 Sep 2006 by Jerry Liguori and Sherry Liguori. Documentation and photographs were provided by JL. 2nd: 7 Y - 0 N (for one of the six birds)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus). 2006-40 (8/17). One juvenile was seen east of Provo, Utah Co., on 26 Sep 2006 by Milt Moody and Eric Huish. Documentation was provided by MM. 7 Y - 0 N
GRAY HAWK (Buteo nitidus). 2006-48 (1/1). One adult was seen along the Santa Clara River above Gunlock in Washington Co., on 30 Apr 2005 by Larry Tripp. Documentation was provided by LT. This is the first Utah record. 7 Y - 0 N
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva). 2006-33 (1/1). One adult was seen at the Antelope Island Causeway in Davis Co., on 25 Aug 2006 by Keith Evans and later by Edson Leite, Kris Purdy, Buck and Cindy Russell, Paul Higgins, Brian Currie and many more until 14 Sep 2006. Documentation was provided by KP and B&CR and photographs by KE, EL, B&CR, PH and BC. This is a first Utah record. 7 Y - 0 N
HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica). 2006-11(R82) (0/11). One, a male in breeding plumage, was seen and collected at Pelican Lake in Uintah Co., on 14 May 1982 by Merrill Webb, Mark Bromley and Dennis Shirley. Documentation was provided by MW. The specimen is in the Brigham Young University bird collection. 7 Y - 0 N
HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica). 2006-01 (5/11). One juvenile was observed at the Pintail Unit, Fish Springs, NWR, Juab Co., on 5 September 2005 by Rick Fridell and Kristen Comella. Documentation provided by RF & KC and photographs by RF. 7 Y - 0 N
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres). 2006-18 (3/15). One adult was seen on the Antelope Island Causeway in Davis Co., on 7 May 2006 by Kristin Purdy, and Joel and Kathy Beyer. Documentation was provided by KP. 7 Y - 0 N
RED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicaria). 2006-59 (3/11). One adult was seen a the Antelope Island Causeway in Davis Co., on 1 Nov 2006 by Kimberly Roush. Documentation, photographs and drawings were provided by KR. 7 Y - 0 N
HEERMANN'S GULL (Larus heermanni). 2006-41 (2/3). A second year bird was seen at Sand Hollow State Park in Washington Co., on 4 Apr 2006 by Rick Fridell. Documentation and photographs were provided by RF. 2nd: This is the third record from Washington County since 2003. 7 Y - 0 N
WESTERN GULL (Larus occidentalis). 2006-60 (1/1). One 3rd winter bird was seen at Lee Kay Ponds in Salt Lake Co., on 27 Dec 2006 by Tim Avery and others and thereafter by many others until 3 Jan 2007. Documentation was provided by TA and photographs by TA and Milt Moody. This is the first record for Utah. 7 Y - 0 N
LEAST TERN (Sterna antillarum). 2006-29 (11/12). One adult was seen at J.W. Fitzgerald WMA in Tooele Co., on 11 Jun 2006 by Joel and Kathy Beyer. Documentation was provided by J&KB. 7 Y - 0 N
PARASITIC JAEGER (Stercararus parasiticus). 2006-30 (1/10). A juvenile bird was seen west of the west dike at Willard Bay in Box Elder Co., between 10 and 14 Sep 2005 by Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, Kristin Purdy, Glenn Barlow, Jack Binch, Bob Huntington, Pomera Fronce, Tim Avery, and Colby Neuman. Documentation was provided by S&CS and photographs by TA. 7 Y - 0 N
PARAKEET AUKLET (Aethia psittacula). 2006-47(R81). One adult in summer plumage was reported at East Canyon Reservoir in Morgan Co., on 20 Sep 1981 by William Bolte. Documentation was provided by WB. The Committee felt the description was consistent with the species, but were reluctant to accept a new first of state and also a first inland North American record without more solid physical evidence, such as photographs. 0 Y - 7 N
GREAT GRAY OWL (Strix nebulosa). 2006-31. An adult was seen in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., probably in January of 1949, by Stephen L. and W. Lamoni Carr. Documentation was provided by SC. The Committee thought this was a great historical record, but clearly was lacking in enough documentation for acceptance. 2nd: 0 Y - 7 N
GREAT GRAY OWL (Strix nebulosa). 2006-45(R81). One individual was reported on the Limber Pine Nature Trail, on the county line between Cache and Rich Counties on 15 Jun 1981 by Kent Van Vuren and Karen Cartier. Documentation was provided by KVV and KC. Although observer competence and experience with this species was more than adequate, the Committee didn’t feel adequate observation time and description details existed to separate this from other similar species. 0 Y - 7 N
BOREAL OWL (Aegolius funereus). 2006-04 (3/3). One adult was seen east of Bluebell in Duchesne Co., on 24 Jan 2006 by Brian Maxfield and Analisa Burton. Documentation and photographs were provided by BM. 7 Y - 0 N
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi). 2006-42 (2/11). Two or three adults birds were seen at the Hurricane Sewage Ponds in Washington Co., on 17 Sep 2006 by Rick Fridell. Documentation and photographs were provided by RF. 7 Y - 0 N
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi). 2006-43 (3/12). Two adults were seen at the Red Hills Golf Course in St. George, Washington Co., on 22 Sep 2006 by Rick Fridell. Documentation and photographs were provided by RF. 7 Y - 0 N
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens). 2006-52(R78). An adult female was reported at Beaver Dam Wash in Washington Co., on 8 July1978 by Steven P. Hedges and Rod Lemon. Documentation was provided by SPH. Too many unnoticed characters were left unanswered for the Committee to rule out other female or immature hummingbirds. 1 Y - 6 N
RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus ruber). 2006-57 (2/6). One individual was seen at Lytle Ranch in Washington Co., on 13 Oct 2006 by Larry Tripp and Peyton Cook. Documentation and photographs were provided by LT. 7 Y - 0 N
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus pileatus). 2006-51(R80). One adult was reported at Verdure Creek, in San Juan Co., on 17 April, 1980 by Austin Ray Johnson. Documentation was provided by ARJ The Committee felt the written description wasn’t detailed enough to eliminate other woodpeckers species. 0 Y - 7 N
PILEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus pileatus). 2006-28. One individual was reported in Spanish Fork Canyon in Utah Co., on 6 May 2006 by Lu Giddings. Documentation was provided by LG. The Committee [along with the observer] felt the short fly-by observation was not adequate for acceptance as a first of state record. 2nd: 0 Y - 7 N
LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus). 2006-13(R82). One fresh-plumaged adult was reported in Murray, Salt Lake Co., on 11and 12 June 1982 by Brad Stovall. Documentation was provided by BS. This record, based primarily on song and an incomplete physical description, left room for doubt with the Committee due in part to the difficult Empidonax flycatcher species identification. 3rd: 3 Y - 4 N
EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis phoebe). 2006-54 (3/9). One individual was seen at Lytle Ranch in Washington Co., on 12 Feb 2006 by Larry Tripp and possibly Tim Avery a couple of weeks later. Documentation was provided by LT. 7 Y - 0 N
EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis phoebe). 2006-35 (4/10). One individual was seen in Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne Co., on 3 Sep 2006 by David Wheeler. Documentation was provided by DW. 7 Y - 0 N
EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayornis Phoebe). 2006-53 (5/11). One adult was seen at Fish Springs NWR, in Juab Co., on 15 Oct 2006 by Jack Skalicky, Dennis Shirley, Bryan Shirley and Jay Banta. Documentation was provided by JS. 7 Y - 0 N
SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus forficatus). 2006-12(R82) (0/8). An adult in basic plumage was seen west of Utah Lake in Utah Co., on 6 Jun 1982 by A. R. and Susan Johnson. Documentation was provided by ARJ. 2nd: 7 Y - 0 N
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus). 2006-09(R82). One bird in spring plumage was reported near the Botany on the BYU campus in Provo, Utah Co., on 29 Apr 1982, by Mark Bromley. Documentation was provided by MB. The Committee felt the description didn’t sufficiently eliminate other vireo species. 3rd: 3 Y - 4 N
PHILADELPHIA VIREO (Vireo philadelphicus). 2006-10(R82). A possible adult bird was reported in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 4 May 1982 by Sherwood Casjens. Documentation was provided by SC. Again, the Committee felt there was not enough convincing detailed characteristics to separate this bird from other vireos. 2nd: 0 Y - 7 N
WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina). 2006-08(R82). One possible juvenile or female was reported in Holladay, Salt Lake Co., on 8 Mar 1982 by Helen S. Chindgren and Louise Hollander. Documentation was provided by HSC. The Committee expressed concern with the time of year of the observation. Late winter or very early spring occurrences are apparently non-existent for this species. 2nd: 1 Y - 6 N
LECONTE'S THRASHER (Toxostoma lecontei). 2006-46(R81). One adult was reported at Welcome Springs in Washington Co., on 24 Jul 1981 by Austin Ray Johnson. The Committee felt the description was too brief and didn’t rule out the sympatric crissal thrasher. 0 Y - 7 N
NORTHERN PARULA (Parula americana). 2006-39 (7/9). An adult female was seen at River Lane in Utah Co., on 20 Aug 2006 by Joel & Kathy Beyer, Steve & Cindy Summerfield, Jack Binch, Bob Huntington, and many others, until 26 Aug 2006. 7 Y - 0 N
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (Dendroica pensylvanica). 2006-32 (5/10). A first fall, possibly female, was seen at Clover Springs Campground in Tooele Co., on 28 Aug 2006 by Eric Huish. Documentation and a photograph were provided by EH. 7 Y - 0 N
MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Dendroica magnolia). 2006-37 (3/7). One individual was seen in Parley's Nature Area in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 9 Sep 2006 by David Slager. Documentation was provided by DS. 7 Y - 0 N
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caeulescens). 2006-55 (7/15). One adult male was seen at Watchman Campground in Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 7 Nov 2006 by Tom Edell and Chris Edell. Documentation was provided by LT. 7 Y - 0 N
PRAIRIE WARBLER (Dendroica discolor). 2006-58 (2/2). One first fall male was seen in Central, Washington Co., on 15 Oct 2006 by Larry Tripp and Barbara Lykins. Documentation was provided by LT. 7 Y - 0 N
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Dendroica striata). 2006-38 (2/8). A first fall bird was seen along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 2 Sep 2006 by David Slager. Documentation was provided by DS. 2nd: 6 Y - 1 N
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Prothonotaria citrea). 2006-20 (4/4). One individual was seen opposite the Dangling Rope Marina at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in San Juan Co., on 14 Oct 2000 by Chuck LaRue. Documentation was provided by CR. 2nd: 5 Y - 2 N
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea). 2006-50 (5/5). One adult male was seen at Duck Creek Village Visitor Center in Kane Co., on 27 Sep 2006 by Charles Kahr. Documentation was provided by CK. 2nd: 7 Y - 0 N
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivora). 2006-56 (2/3). One adult was seen at Beus Park in Ogden, Weber Co., between 25 and 27 Nov 2006 by Kris Purdy, Paul Higgins and many others. . 7 Y - 0 N
MOURNING WARBLER (Oporornis philadelphia). 2006-36. A first winter female was reported along River Lane in Utah Co., on 4 Sep 2006 by Joel Beyer. Documentation was provided by JB. The Committee felt the observations and description left some unanswered questions and didn’t eliminate some closely related warblers. 0 Y - 7 N
HOODED WARBLER (Wilsonia citrina). 2006-06(R83) (1/4). An adult male in breeding plumage was seen south of Pintura, Washington Co, on 5 Nov 1983 by Merrill Webb. Documentation was provided by MW. This record was one of the first documented for this species and is only the fourth for the state. 7 Y - 0 N
PAINTED REDSTART (Myiobiorus pictus). 2006-17 (4/8). Two mature adults were seen on the Riverside Walk trail in Zion National Park, Washington Co., on 18 Apr 2006 by Robert & Laura Malone and on at least 5 other occasions by many observers until 16 May 2006. Documentation and photographs were provided by RM. 7 Y - 0 N
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida). 2006-23 (4/9). One individual was seen in in Cottonwood Wash just north of the Bluff, San Juan Co., on 9 Apr 2006 by Tim Avery and Lu Giddings. Documentation and a photograph were provided by TA. 7 Y - 0 N
CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR (Calcarius ornatus). 2006-05(R83). One bird was reported east of University of Utah Medical Center, in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 9 Oct 1983 by Maureen E. Ellis. Documentation and a drawing were provided by MEE. While the observation date and grassland habitat is consistent for migrating/wintering longspurs, the Committee felt the description didn’t adequately rule out other longspur species. 2nd: 0 Y - 7 N
PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris). 2006-21. An adult male was reported visiting a feeder in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., on 10 May 2006 by Harris Lenowitz. Documentation was provided by HL. 2nd: 2 Y - 5 N
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula). 2006-44(R81). One adult male was reported at Simpson Springs, near Dugway, Juab Co., on 27 Jun 1981 by Tim Helentjarvis. Documentation was provided by TH. An insufficient description of distinguishing characteristics separating this oriole species from others resulted a 3rd Round “Not Accepted’ vote by the Committee. 3rd: 2 Y - 5 N
BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifingilla). 2006-07(R83) (0/1). An adult female was seen in at backyard bird feeder in Logan, Cache Co., on 18 Dec 1983 by Tim Helentjaris, Sherwood Casjens, Dennis Shirley, Craig Kesselheim, and Bill Hunter. Documentation was provided by TH. At the time [1983] this was a first record for Utah. 7 Y - 0 N