Records Committee
Utah Ornithological Society
   
Status & Comments
Year 2007 (records 01 through 15)

 

2007-01  Scaled Quail

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 18 Feb 2007 Acc Thorough description and nice photos.
Kristin P. 27 Feb 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 2 Apr 2007 Acc Very nice record. Photos convincing, but written description very well done.
Terry S. 31 Jan 2007 Acc Convincing Photos.
Mark S. 25 Jan 2007 Acc A nicely documented record with good photos. I'm especially impressed with the extensive list of similar species considered, though I'm a bit puzzled as too why the most similar species - Elegant Quail - wasn't considered, though the scaly pattern on the breast would eliminate that species. Of course, all that scaliness could be Inca Dove ;-) . . . A really nice record.
Larry T. 25 Feb 2007 Acc This is a species that one had to think was probably in that area of the state with their close proximity and the reports that
have been made. It's certainly great that someone found what seems to be a reliable spot to find them.
David W. 17 Jan 2007 Acc Oh yeah, baby! I was going to devote a week in the four corners area in search of these guys next summer (they HAD to be there, based on the range maps), but Dennis Shirley saved me alot of sun tan lotion with his posting. The Canyon towhees must be around there too, and people should spend some time taping/searching for those in similar habitat.

After Checking the photos: It is interesting that the quails are grayer in the photos than I remembered. In one picture, which was taken around one of the few times that I used my binoculars, the quail is showing its buffy breast with very little gray visible, but overall I must admit my description seems to have overemphasized the buffiness of these birds. Not that it changes the ID, but it does remind me of the importance of taking careful notes in the field instead of relying on quick glances, calls, and photos.

 

2007-02  Lesser Black-backed Gull

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 31 Mar 2007 Acc Adequate desciption and elimination of other potential species.
Kristin P. 2 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 30 Jun 2007 Acc The description is adequate to describe this species and to eliminate other similar species. Kelp gull is also a similar species,
but the head streaking would eliminate kelp gull.
Terry S. 8 Apr 2007 Acc A photo would have been helpful on this sighting but the observers have given a good description that seems to eliminate other possible species.
Mark S. 11 Mar 2007 Acc Nice description, though I would have liked something on the bill shape and structure that would have made it easier to eliminate Yellow-footed Gull. The combination of eye color, leg color, and bill markings should eliminate all other possibilities. As a note, I find mantle color to be particularly difficult in a group of California Gulls, especially in full sunlight. As this sighting was during overcast, it may be more reliable.
Larry T. 1 Jun 2007 Acc Description is convincing.
 
David W. 27 Mar 2007 Acc Although I would have liked to have seen more discussion of:
1) the underside of the wings in flight (should have been notably darker near tips and flight feathers) realtive to other gulls near it;
2) the relative size of the wing windows (the second primary should have a much smaller window, if any, according to Grant and every field guide picture I looked at); and
3) the shape & size of the bill,

I think the combination of field marks presented is convincing.

 

2007-03  Lawrence's Goldfinch

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 May 2007 Acc Nice record
Kristin P. 2 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 14 Jun 2007 Acc Excellent photos!
Terry S. 8 Apr 2007 Acc Great Photos!
Mark S. 2 Apr 2007 Acc Excellent record and photos. Nice to have this species so well documented for the state.
Larry T. 1 Jun 2007 Acc Nice record for the state.
Great photos and nice description.
David W. 10 Apr 2007 Acc Wonderful pictures leave no doubt.

 

2007-04  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 May 2007 Acc Description is brief but adequate and timing is okay for a vagrant YB Sapsucker.

2nd round

 4 Aug 2007 Acc  
Kristin P. 2 Jul 2007 Acc  

2nd round

 14 Jul 2007 Acc I believe the observer correctly identified the review bird as a sapsucker, and that timing and migration pattern of the Yellow-bellied are appropriate for this record to be possible.

In addition, of the possible hybrids, nowhere can I find that a S. varius hybrid could show both a complete white chin/throat bordered in black along with a white nape (not in Kaufman, 1990, Devillers, 1970, or Howell, 1952 and 1953). I don't have access to Pyle, 1997; I hope another committee member can check that reference. My research validated that the observer correctly focused on the white throat and understood the sigificance of that field mark for a female S. varius.

Despite the fact that a white nape could be produced from wear and that April is far enough past a Red-naped's late summer/early fall molt for the nape to be worn, I don't think the combination of white throat and white nape is likely enough either for S. nuchalis or for a S. varius x S. nuchalis (or any other varius combination) not to accept this record.

The other varius-group characters I would like to have reviewed (back pattern and extent of white/gold on back), width of white vs. black stripes across face, extent of black upper breast) are less significant in my mind than are the pure white throat and white nape for a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

My previous vote stands.
Ronald R. 30 Jun 2007 No, ID I don't feel the throat characteristic is sufficient to rule out red-naped or a hybrid. Other characteristics would help make this
a more convincing record.

2nd round

 26 Jul 2007 Acc I am still not happy with this record as it does not describe many of the supporting field marks. But, I will defer to the
literature on this record and accept it based on the pure white throat.
Terry S. 24 May 2007 No, ID While this sounds like a good record I am a little hesitant to accept it without more description of the bird other than the throat area. Is there a possibility of a hybrid?

2nd round

 18 Jul 2007 Acc After reading other comments and studying this record, I agree this looks like an acceptable sighting.
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc This is a tough call, as the observer didn't see all the useful field marks, and I'm not sure exactly how definitive the white
throat is by itself. It would certainly be an unusual Red-naped. The hybrid question is also significant. I'm open to discussion on this one, and hope somebody is uncomfortable about this record so we go to another round. On the other hand, if everyone feels o.k. about this record, I'm o.k. with it, too.

2nd round

 23 Jul 2007 Acc Thanks for the thorough review by Kris. I think this would be odd as a Red-naped, and although it would be nice if other features were noted (such as back pattern), I think the white throat with complete black border is definitive. I don't have much faith in the lack of red on the nape, and only have concern that a very small amount of red in the throat could have been missed, but will trust the observer's description.

For the record, my original vote should have been recorded as "accept," at least that's what I indended to vote if I made a mistake, but I'm glad to have the discussion.
Larry T. 1 Jun 2007 Acc The lack of red on the throat that was bordered in black sounds pretty good for a YB.

2nd round

 30 Jul 2007 Acc  
David W. 21 May 2007 Acc The literature supports the observer's claim about the significance of the lack of red on throats of females.

2nd round

 17 Jul 2007 Acc I stand with Kristin on this. The literature I checked also says the white throat is definitive.

    

2007-05  California Condor

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 May 2007 Acc I really don't think the options available are appropriate for this record. I'd like to vote "Accept (they are definitely Condors!), establishment of introduced population questionable". There are always some condors present at Lava Point / Kolob Canyon (since 2003). They move back and forth regularly between Lava Point and the Vermilion Cliffs.

2nd round

 4 Aug 2007 No, Nat  
Kristin P. 2 Jul 2007 No, Int Two of the "No" possibilities cover this species, No, Nat and No, Int. I don't believe the introduced population would continue to survive without significant intervention by the reintroduction team: first, by constant monitoring of blood lead levels and retrapping for chelation therapy, and by providing carcasses around the Vermillion Cliffs introduction site in Arizona where most of the population winters. The population continues to grow due to consistent new introductions and
not because the previously introduced birds are reproducing successfully. Very few wild-hatched chicks have survived to adulthood. Classifying this population as naturally occurring is something I hope for, but I believe that status is still a long way off.

2nd round

 8 Aug 2007 No, Int  
Ronald R. 30 Jun 2007 No, Int While California condors were certainly observed, these birds are from recent introductions and do not meet the criteria for
natuarally occurring or sustainable populations.

2nd round

 4 Aug 2007 No, Int (see my previous comments)
Terry S. 24 May 2007 No, Int I don't think we can consider this an established species.

2nd round

 11 Aug 2007 No, Int  
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 No, Int Nice photos and record, but unfortunately not a clearly established population.

2nd round

 21 Aug 2007 No, Int  
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 No, Int  

2nd round

 22 Aug 2007 No, Int  
David W. 5 May 2007 No, Int The number tags are a dead givaway, eliminating any similar species.

This species is present in Southern Utah for much of the year (with a retreat to southern climes in the winter months by most of the individuals), especially in the Kolob area of Zion. However, the species is not yet established and won't be considered so for years to come. Currently the population of this generally long-lived species is breeding in the wild but also suffers from high mortality and hospitalization rates due to lead poisoning caused by ingestion of lead bullets (from deer shot by hunters--a double-edged sword). The population has until very recently been supplemented by captive-bred birds, and is, indeed, comprised mostly of such birds. The existing birds are periodically rounded up for veterenary care--hardly a truly wild population. They are there, they are beautiful, they are a hope for a future with truly established wild condors. However, right now they are an experiment in undoing what man and climate change has wrought upon this once proud paleolithic holdover.

There is an organization (I believe it is the Peregrine Fund) which tracks and husbands these beasts, and collects data on them. Therefore it serves no purpose I can see for us to vote on sightings of condors. I say we don't waste time voting on these in the future until the AOU determines that they are once again an official member of the North American avifauna.

Good night, gentlemen and gentle lady.

2nd round

 1 Aug 2007 No, Int  
       

  

2007-06  Vaux's Swift

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc Excellent photos.
Kristin P. 2 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Good description and photos. Nice review of differences from chimney swift.
Terry S. 24 May 2007 Acc  
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Excellent record and photos; but the observer failed to note perhaps the strongest piece of evidence separating this species from Chimney Swift in the section on similar species. The birds were silent. I can't remember ever watching a Chimney Swift for two hours without numerous vocalizations.
Larry T. 1 Jun 2007 Acc  
David W. 21 May 2007 Acc remarkable photos. The rump shot was especially useful.

 

2007-07  Painted Redstart

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc  
Kristin P. 17 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Convincing photo.
Terry S. 28 May 2007 Acc  
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Nice record, photo. Well established occurrence in that location in recent years.
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 Acc  
David W. 30 May 2007 Acc Nice photo.

 

2007-08  Hudsonian Godwit

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc Nice spring record. Definitive photo.
Kristin P. 17 Jul 2007 Acc Description of back color as dark rufous is not consistent with this species; however, a combination of diagnostic characters
appeared in both the written description and image.
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Good photo and description.
Terry S. 28 May 2007 Acc Convincing narrative and photo
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Nice record and photo.
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 Acc  
David W. 30 May 2007 Acc Nice photo.

 

2007-09  Philadelphia Vireo

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc This is an excellent record. Outstanding photograph.

2nd round:  

4 Aug 2007 Acc I believe this is a very clean record of a Philadelphia Vireo. There is nothing in the description or the photograph to suggest a Red-eyed Vireo or a hybrid. The songs of these two species and very similar and distinguishing them by song is very difficult.
Kristin P. 18 Jul 2007 Acc  

2nd round:  

8 Aug 2007 Acc I think the record is comprehensive enough to eliminate the Red-eyed Vireo. Although the narrative doesn't address separating the two by song, the photo clearly establishes that the bird is a Philadelphia Vireo.

Regarding hybrids, Cornell's BNA species account uses the succinct words "Hybrids unknown" to address the issue, although the remainder of the paragraph is devoted to comparisons with the Warbling Vireo. I have not found any other information to indicate that a hybrid is a possibility.
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Nice photo and description. The song clinches the ID as it is very different from warbling vireo.

2nd round:  

5 Sep 2007 Acc My comments from before still apply. This bird does not have the look of a red-eyed vireo -- too much yellow in underparts, and lack of fine black line over white eye stripe below gray cap. I appreciate this being sent to the second round as it made me look at the record again.
Terry S. 15 Jun 2007 Acc The observer has done a good job in identifying this species. I think the photo helps a lot.

2nd round:  

11 Aug 2007 Acc I believe the photo clearly shows a Philadelphia Vireo.
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Maybe the best record we have yet of this species - with an excellent photo of an individual at the extreme of variability for this species, making i.d. easy.

2nd round:  

21 Aug 2007 Acc I appreciate David's comments and have taken a closer look at this record, but still find it to fit Philadelphia Vireo better than other contenders. Red-eyed really never shows that much yellow on the underparts, and I think the overall length and bill size too short for what I would expect for a Red-eyed. Looks like a bright alternate-plumage Philadelphia Vireo to me.
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 Acc Nice photo of what looks like a pretty bright spring philadelphia Vireo. The crown contrasts with the nape.Bright yellow throat and dark eyeline.

2nd round:  

22 Aug 2007 Acc  
David W. 17 Jul 2007 No, ID Mr. Avery did a fine job of eliminating Tennessee warbler and Warbling vireo, the usual suspects, as possibilities. His photo
was outstanding. I was, however, disappointed by his decision not to consider the Red-eyed vireo in the Similar Species section. After all, the song was like a Red-eyed, the bill seems a bit too long for a Philadelphia (though shorter than I would expect for a Red-eyed), and the black eyebrow is very distinct as in a Red-eyed.

Could we be dealing with a hybrid of some sort?

I've changed my vote to NO in hopes of sending this record to the second round for further discussion.

2nd round:  

5 Sep 2007 Acc Thank you to the rest of the Committee for indulging my desire to discuss this record. I have not seen any photos/illustrations of Philadelphia vireos showing such a prominent moustachial stripe, so I was puzzled. Clearly, though, everything else about this bird points to Philadelphia vireo, and I cannot see any other possibility.

 

2007-10  Dickcissel

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc another excellent spring record and a nice photograph.
Kristin P. 18 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Good photo and description.
Terry S. 15 Jun 2007 Acc Convincing Photo and description
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Even the female in this species is distinctive. Good photo.
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 Acc Great photo.
David W. 30 May 2007 Acc Nice photo. It is unfortunate, but not more, that the crown is not visible.

  

2007-11  Black-billed Cuckoo

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 No, ID I believe this sighting was too brief to support a Black-billed Cuckoo. It is unfortunate that Tim was unable to get better looks at this cuckoo. I don't think a "2 second" flyby is enough to definitively distinguish Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoos. Many times in the midwest, I have had a quick glimpse at a flying cuckoo(including two this May) that I thought was a Black-billed because I didn't notice the rufous in the wings, only to find the perched bird and confirm it was a Yellow-billed. And I'm not sure it's possible in a two second look at a flying bird, to distinguish tail pattern, and whether the belly was snow white or creamy white. Also timing is right on early stages for YB Cuckoos to be passing through so. Utah, and I believe most BB Cuckoo sightings in the west are later in June.
Kristin P. 23 Jul 2007 No, ID The shortness of this observation concerned me and caused doubt when combined with the greater likelihood of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the need to see the species longer to see it well and the observer's limited experience with the Black-billed.
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 No, ID Unfortunately, without the two most distinctive field marks not being observed (bill color, tail spotting pattern), it is difficult
to accept this record.
Terry S. 15 Jun 2007 No, ID I don't think the brief observation can support with any certainty that this was a Black-billed Cuckoo. A photo along with a
better chance for more detailed observation is needed to accept a record such as this.
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 No, ID While this is a tantalizing sighting, and I'm sure it was frustrating to not see it better, or to not have been able to find it
again, I don't think there's enough to go on here for such a rare sighting. The colors could be poorly represented in morning light, and the brief nature of the sighting would make it hard to know for sure. The most definitive field mark - the tail pattern - was not seen at all. While suggestive, I'm not sure it's enough to be positive on the i.d.
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 No, ID A 2 second in flight view could make it very difficult to see the wings well. The bird sounds like it was a Cuckoo but to be sure it wasn't a Yellow-billed I would want a better look at it.
David W. 30 May 2007 No, ID Though I think it likely the observer saw a Black-billed cuckoo, I am troubled by the brief view. The only real field mark relied upon to eliminate a Black-billed is the color of the flight feathers, and I worry that the glimpse obtained by Mr. Avery may not have been adequate to preclude that species.

  

2007-12 Northern Parula

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc  
Kristin P. 27 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Adequate photos and good description.
Terry S. 28 May 2007 Acc  
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Good description, which helps eliminate Tropical Parula, something I can't do for sure from the photos, although the wing bars seem a bit too prominent, and the upper breast color too orange.
Larry T. 30 Jul 2007 Acc  
David W. 30 May 2007 Acc Putting aside the dubious comment about the uniqueness of the bill pattern, the description is convincing. The photos are helpful.

     

2007-13 White-rumped Sandpiper

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 7 Jun 2007 Acc Great record!
Kristin P. 29 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Good detailed description and convincing photos.
Terry S. 15 Jun 2007 Acc Excellent write-up and convincing photo
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 Acc Guess I'd better vote for my own record.
Larry T. 1 Aug 2007 Acc  
David W. 8 Jun 2007 Acc As Mark noted, at first I was reluctant to agree to his identification (just on principle) because I did not have a field guide
handy and had confounded my memory of a Sharp-tailed sandpiper with that of a White-rumped. Thus I was looking for a much brighter bird than we saw. But even before the white rump cinched the case, the pattern of breast striping had eliminated the Baird's. When I got back to the field guide in the car, everything else fell into place as well--the rufous
wash to crown & cheek, eyebrow, back/wing color, streaks & chevrons on flanks.

I apologize for the poor quality of my photos. However, if the Committee buys me a stabilized 700 mm lens, I promise to do better next time. Really.

    

2007-14 Eastern Meadowlark

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 4 Aug 2007 No, ID Distinguishing the meadowlarks is very difficult. I'm concerned that the definitive characteristics to distinguish Eastern from
Western Meadowlarks were not observed (call note and white of outer tail feathers - 2 vs. 3+ feathers). The pale southwest subspecies, lilianae, is the most likely Eastern Meadowlark candidate, particularly in the summer. However, this bird is very dark overall, and similar to a Western Meadowlark. The primary characteristics the observer is basing the id on is the apparent lack of yellow in the malar and streaking on the sides. I don t think either of these features (visible in the photo)
are out of the range of variation for a Western Meadowlark; many W. Meadowlark females have very little yellow showing on the malar region, and the streaking /spotting on the sides is highly variable (in fact the streaking appears too heavy and dark for a Lilian s meadowlark). Another reason I don t think this is an Eastern Meadowlark is the dark cheek visible in the photo. A summer breeding Eastern Meadowlark should show clean white cheeks, bold dark post-ocular stripes, a sharply
contrasting white supercilium, and bold dark crown stripes (rather than brownish, mottled postocular and crown stripes visible in the photo). With all that said, I think this is a great record and I'd like to see some discussion on this one.

2nd round

 16 Sep 2007 No, ID In addition to the concerns expressed about the lack of vocalizations, I really believe the dark cheek area of this bird is
consistent with a Western Meadowlark. Particularly during the summer, an Eastern Meadowlark should have clean white cheeks and a much more strongly contrasting face pattern.
Kristin P. 29 Jul 2007 No, ID A first-state record of this species needs validation of the voice. The photo is excellent and displays the important plumage
characters, however, every reference I checked (Nat'l Geo 2d. ed., Sibley 2000, Kaufmann 1996, Cornell's BNA species account and Pyle 1997) state words to the effect that the Eastern and Western Meadowlarks are best distinguished by voice. Most convincing is this statement in Pyle: "From Western Meadowlark with caution; this is one of the most difficult
in-hand species identification problems." If banders have great difficulty distinguishing the two species when they're holding one of them, I don't think it's appropriate to accept this record without at least a written description of the voice. Unfortunately, of course, the bird didn't call or sing.

2nd round

 26 Aug 2007 No, ID This species is at a disadvantage due to the challenge of identifying it visually. To fulfill what seems to be the committee's
preference for physical evidence with a first state record of this nature, we need a voice recording. Even a careful written description of distinctive call notes or song would go a long way toward distinguishing between like species that are best identified by voice. Birders who carry digital cameras continue to make records committee work easier, but the percentage of birders who carry audio recording equipment, such as a video camera, is small. The need for voice validation puts certain
species and record submittals at a disadvantage, but I don t know a way around the problem.
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc This is a tough one even with the photo. I feel the clean white malar stripe, long streaks on the flanks, and somewhat bold face pattern (although not outside range of variability of western) indicate an eastern meadowlark. The observation of extensive white in the tail also helps, although the observation was not totally convincing. I certainly would entertain additional discussion of this record.

2nd round

 17 Sep 2007 No, ID I appreciate the depth of the review by others for this record. I am changing my vote based on the lack of important evidence, primarily the tail pattern (although it was briefly observed and described, but not convincingly) and lack of vocalization.
Terry S. 11 Jul 2007 No, ID This is a difficult Bird to evaluate. The photo sure looks like an Eastern Meadowlark. I would expect, however, that an Eastern Meadowlark seen in this area would be the Lilian's which to me would be paler and not with such bold markings and look more like a Western. Most reviews I have read suggest that vocalization of the call should be utilized in separating the species where they overlap. I am voting not to accept but could readily change my vote after further discussion.

2nd round

 17 Sep 2007 No, ID I still don't think this record is acceptable without the vocalization
Mark S. 30 Jun 2007 No, ID I guess I'll go out on a limb here, because I'd like to see some discussion on this record. Though the recordis well documented, and with a good photo, the lack of any vocalizations makes it difficult to be sure on the i.d. of this bird for a first state record. I'm not sure that any of the visual field marks are reliable enough, and after looking at dozens of photos of both EAME and WEME, am even more doubtful. Although the white on the malar, and the flank streaking may suggest EAME, the darkness of the cheeks, the paleness of the scapulars, tertials and the rectrices visible in the photo are more
consistant with WEME. I personally would like to see a more definitive record for a state-first of this species, but look forward to the discussion with an open mind.

2nd round

 26 Aug 2007 No, ID I can't be confident about this i.d. without a vocalization.
Larry T. 22 Aug 2007 No, ID The photo looks like it could be an Eastern Meadowlark. But for a first state record of this species I would like to have a vocal bird.

2nd round

 30 Sep 2007 No, ID  
David W. 16 Jul 2007 No, ID Let me just say before I continue further that I applaud Mr. Avery for submitting record of a species so difficult to ID. I wish
more birders had his courage.

Second, I voted NO because the record had one conflicting field mark and others which were not addressed. I think there is much about this bird which suggests an Eastern meadowlark (in fact more than a Western), but not quite enough to be certain.

Here are some field marks I consider to be important:

1) Extent of white on the outer rectrices: dealt with only briefly,and not visible in the photo. The Lilian's race/species has almost no dark patterning on the outermost four rectrices, while the other two have more (amount varies depending on the subspecies).

2) Amount of yellow in malar stripe and in cheek: None--a strong argument for an Eastern or Lilian's, especially in the breeding season (apparently the only season when this field mark is reliable). It should be noted that females have less yellow than males in the throat/side of face. Still, I consider this to be the best field mark presented in the record for supporting Eastern/Lilian's.

3) The color of the greater coverts: seems rather buff-toned, though not strongly. This suggests Eastern, as the Western should be more gray (though the photo is not entirely satisfactory due to angle of light). This field mark seems to vary in illustrations from field guide to field guide. Lilian's is intermediate between E & W.

4) Color of flanks and undertail coverts: White rather than buffy. This suggests, Western meadowlark (according to Jaramillo & Burke's "New World Blackbirds"). Lilian's has "pale creamy-buff" flanks, with a brown spot at the tip of each feather.

5) Barring on top of tail (R1): Not visible. Eastern should have the parallel bars merge along shaft, while Western's are separate. Lilian's are intermediate.

6) Voice, the most obvious differentiating field mark, was not noted by the observer.

Again, I think this bird appears more like an Eastern meadowlark than a Western in most respects. However, I don't feel comfortable voting to accept such a subtle species without also seeing better photos/ description of the white in rectrices R3-6 and the barring pattern on R1, or a description of the voice, either a song or call. That being said, I think all of us will keep a sharper eye out for Eastern meadowlarks from now on thanks to Tim's heads-up.

I noted that in his submission, Mr. Avery said he would send in "another picture". Has he? If so, I would like to see it. If not, I would like to have the secretary encourage him to do so. It could be important to our analyses and votes.

2nd round

 16 Sep 2007 No, ID  

  

2007-15 Chestnut-sided Warbler

Evaluator Date Vote Comment
Rick F. 4 Aug 2007 Acc A very limited description, but adequate photos.
Kristin P. 29 Jul 2007 Acc  
Ronald R. 26 Jul 2007 Acc Adequate photos.
Terry S. 7 Jul 2007 Acc Good photo
Mark S. 5 Jul 2007 Acc Scant record, but nice photos of an unmistakeable bird.
Larry T. 1 Aug 2007 Acc  
David W. 6 Jul 2007 Acc Another one of those records relying exclusively on photos. But, until we decide as a group on an official policy, I am going todefer to the fine photos.

    

 

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