Records Committee Utah Ornithological Society Web Site

Records Committee
Utah Ornithological Society

Status & Comments
Year 2007 (records 31 through 46)

2007-31 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc	Adequate description, and although the photos are marginal at best, they still add significantly to the record.
Colby N.	11 Feb 2008	Acc
Kristin P.	9 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	25 Nov 2007	Acc	Good, detailed description. Photos adequate. Nice record.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	What a great record! The observer has done an excellent job in identifying this rare species.
Larry T.	18 Nov 2007	Acc	Nice bird. I am a little surprised it took so long for one to show up in Utah with all the great shorebird habitat around the Great Salt Lake.
David W.	16 Oct 2007	Acc	An excellent record.

2007-32 Blackburnian Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	No, ID	There are a few puzzling attributes in the description that don't seem to fit my experience with first fall female Blackburnian Warblers. Even the palest females should have obvious streaking and pale braces on the back (described as 'dark gray'). Also they all should have at least diffuse (but obvious) dark streaking on the pale underparts (sides and flanks), and two prominent white wingbars. With that said I'm not sure what else it could be; aberrent pale first fall Townsend's? first fall female Cerulean? pale first fall Blackpoll?
2nd round	15 Mar 2008	No, ID	First round comments still hold, braces on the back are present and diagnostic for all plumages of Blackburnian Warbler.
Colby N.	18 Feb 2008	No, ID	Without photos, I find this record hard to vote yes on even though the observer likely did see a Blackburnian Warbler. The head and underpart pattern seems to fit a first year female Blackburnian Warbler. However, the 'gray back' is just not good for a Blackburnian Warbler especially considering this is one of the more distinct field marks. Admittedly, the observer noted he did not have a good view of the back, but nonetheless, the gray back is inconsistent with Blackburnian Warbler. While less likely than a Blackburnian Warbler, I'm not sure a first year Cerulean Warbler can be ruled out given the description.
2nd round	25 Mar 2008	No, ID	Comments from first round still stand
Kristin P.	29 Dec 2007	No, ID	Record doesn't meet criteria for a first-state record as prescribed by the bylaws.
2nd round	16 Jun 2008	No, ID	This bird did not offer enough information to the observers to earn my accept vote. While the head pattern, colors and shape of the auriculars were good for a Blackburnian, not knowing whether the back was streaked is troubling. Also, the records need to address first fall female Cerulean and Blackpoll Warblers. On another note, Dunn and Garrett (1997) says this warbler has been recorded in all western states except Idaho. I wish I knew of the Utah sightings to substantiate that claim.
Ronald R.	23 Dec 2007	Acc	A very detailed and convincing description. The carefully detailed head pattern is not similar to other species, particularly the combination of the shape of the face patch, color of cap, and throat and breast color and pattern.
(Eric H.) 2nd rnd	13 Apr 2008	No, ID	I'm voting no based on the first state record criteria and the ID concerns pointed out by other committee members. I think the bird was likely a Blackburnian Warbler. I believe the braces on the back weren't seen because the observer didn't see the back.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	A great record.
2nd round	31Mar 2008	No, ID	After reviewing other comments I'm not so sure on this one now. Certainly a Cerulean Warbler is a possibility.
Larry T.	14 Dec 2007	No, ID	There are a couple things I don't like about this description. The lack of a comparison to a first fall Cerulean Warbler which to me can be the most similar looking Warbler. Most fall Cerulean reports in California turn out to be Blackburnian's because of their similarities. The lack of a description of the upper back other than gray/greenish also bothers me. The pale braces along with dark streaks on the back are diagnostic for Blackburnian and should be seen ( if you see the back )even on a HY female. My refusal to accept this record is solely based on the incomplete description.
2nd round	8 Jun 2008	No, ID	I think a better description is needed for a first Fall female without a photo.
David W.	18 Oct 2007	Acc	I am a bit troubled by the descriptions of the back and wing bars (seems like the wing bars in this species are usu both prominent), but the face pattern is distinctive. I know the observer to be a birder of some experience.
2nd round	6 Apr 2008	Acc	I still think the description of the face is diagnostic, eliminating the Cerulean warbler: "cheek patch separated from the dark upperparts by a pale area extending behind the patch from the eyebrow to the throat. The patch formed a point on the lower edge behind the eye" I do not think the lack of "braces" is significant because this is described as an immature female, not male. The braces on an immature female Blackburnian are vague, and therefore easily overlooked in the view angle described by the observer. [The fact that I twice spent an afternoon frittering away my annual leave while fruitlessly waiting for this species to show up will not persuade me to vote against, even if it means Mark maintaining his lead on me on his Utah list. Not, mind you, that I am bitter..., of course.]

2007-33 Blackpoll Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc
Colby N.	11 Feb 2008	Acc	Great photos
Kristin P.	29 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	23 Dec 2007	Acc	Excellent photos and good description. Both eliminate similar Cape May.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc
Larry T.	18 Nov 2007	Acc
David W.	23 Oct 2007	Acc	Very good use of the Similar Species section. Amazing photos.

2007-34 Long-tailed Jaeger

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc
Colby N.	11 Feb 2008	Acc	Great photos
Kristin P.	30 Dec 2007	Acc	I didn't think a straightforward ID of a juvenile jaeger was possible until this record, thanks to Rick's detailed observations, fine art photos, and Tim's flight shots. Made me wish I was out there in a kayak with Rick when he took these images.
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	Excellent photos and description clearly define this species.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	Well documented with great photos
Larry T.	18 Nov 2007	Acc
David W.	23 Oct 2007	Acc	Nicely documented record in this notoriously difficult genus.

2007-35 Ruff

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc	Nice thorough description of a juvenile Ruff
Colby N.	11 Feb 2008	Acc	Sufficient description...would have liked a description of the overall shape of the bird as well as a more detailed description of the scapular and tertial feathers...but nonetheless the description seems to eliminate similar species such as juv. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper as well both yellowlegs even though these were not mentioned in the record
Kristin P.	31 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	Nice description and effective discussion to eliminate buff-breasted. White on upper tail coverts distinctive relative to buff-breasted.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	This is well documented. Good description
Larry T.	14 Dec 2007	Acc	Good description to eliminate similar species.
David W.	29 Nov 2007	Acc	I would have preferred a more rigorous handling of the Similar Species portion (Red knots, etc), but I am convinced nonetheless.

2007-36 Cape May Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc
Colby N..	11 Feb 2008	Acc	Good photos and description seem to eliminate all other possibilities
Kristin P.	31 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	Very nice description and photos are sufficient for this sometimes difficult ID.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	Great photos and well documented.
Larry T.	14 Dec 2007	Acc
David W.	2 Dec 2007	Acc	Good job on the written description to supplement the photos.

2007-37 Palm Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc	Brief but complete description of a fall western Palm Warbler
Colby N.	11 Feb 2008	Acc	While the description of the bird is very brief and lacks detail, similar species such as Pine Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, etc. that are not mentioned in the written record seem like they can be eliminated by the few plumage details noted and/or the tail pumping behavior.
Kristin P.	30 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	A minimal description, but sufficient details to rule out other species. Tail pumping distinctive to eliminate similar species.
Terry S.	21 Dec 2007	Acc	A brief but adequate description.
Larry T.	14 Dec 2007	Acc	Good description of a distinct Warbler.
David W.	15 Nov 2007	Acc	Barely adequate description does include the important field marks.

2007-38 Purple Finch

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc
2nd round:	22 Aug 2008	Acc
Kristin P.	3 Jan 2008	No, ID	Record doesn't meet criteria for a first-state record as prescribed by the bylaws.
2nd round:	16 Jun 2008	Acc	"Pik" flight call and call notes convincing for ID, along with olive wash on head, buffy/olive wash on upperparts. Lack of obvious streaking on undertail coverts and streaking pattern on sides of breast good for Purple Finch. And a sixth one I've done since this morning's submission:
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	This is a well written description that eliminates the similar Cassin's finch. The description of the breast and the call and flight notes are sufficient to rule out Cassin's finch. I would be nice to have a second submission for this bird (from Larry).
Eric H. - 2nd rnd:	19 Jun 2008	Acc	Description eliminates similar species.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	Finally an acceptable Purple Finch record! Great documentation.
2nd round:	22 Jun 2008	Acc
Colby N.	9 Jun 2008	No, ID	I have been very conflicted as how to vote on this record. So I guess I'll send this record to the second round as I'd imagine most others voted yes for very legitimate reasons. Even though this is not an easy ID, this is very good record as the observers carefully noted field marks and most importantly the calls given by the bird. I agree with the observers, the flight call is probably the best solid ID mark noted. And it's not that I don't trust the observers either, but I have a really hard time accepting records without photos/recording/etc. It just doesn't seem very scientific to say I trust one observer more than another when even the most competent observers make mistakes. I will probably vote yes on this record in the second round, and I know numerous record committees have similar guidelines as ours, but I believe most official country lists require photos/recordings/etc. for records to become official and I'm not sure why we don't do the same? I suspect most answers will be...good records will be lost...but what about David's new category for such cases? Maybe that will just make a mess.
2nd round:	22 Jun 2008	No, ID	In order to be consistent, I would still like a recording or photos on a record such as this. Record will be accepted regardless of my view, and I do agree with others that this about as good of a description of field marks, and most importantly the flight call as you can have...and it's from competent observers.
Larry T.	27 Dec 2007	Acc	I have seen a lot of the californicus race of Purple Finch while living in California. As soon as I saw this bird I didn't have a problem with the ID.
2nd round:	23 Sep 2008	Acc
David W.	3 Dec 2007	Acc	I was prepared to be very skeptical, but the remarkable list of critical field marks leaves me with no doubt. Outstanding record.
2nd round:	2 Jul 2008	Acc

2007-39 Red-breasted Sapsucker

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	30 Oct 2007	Acc
Eric H..	15 Feb 2008	Acc	Great photos. I believe this is a Red-breasted Sapsucker. I am unsure of where the line is drawn between S. r. ruber and S. r. daggetti. I will study it further if I need to. (?)
Kristin P.	5 Jan 2007	Acc	An S. r. ruber's appearance in Utah is remarkable considering the sedentary nature of this subspecies. All ruber characters fell into place in Rick's description and multiple photos, except I expected the black and white head pattern on the side of the face to be more obscured by red than this bird shows. The fact that it's as visible as it is seems to fit a daggetti better. Rick's noting seven sightings since 2003 (and the bird presently sojourning in Springdale is not included in that number) caught my attention. If the trend continues, this species may be a future candidate for removal from the review list. Would we opt to remove a species where one subspecies (daggetti) occurs in small numbers with regularity while the other's (ruber) appearance is quite notable?
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	Nicely documented record, and the photos appear to rule out a hybrid.
Terry S.	8 Nov 2007	Acc	Great Photos!
Larry T.	27 Dec 2007	Acc	We seem to be getting 1 or 2 of this annually lately in S.W. Utah.
David W.	15 Nov 2007	Acc	Good photos.

2007-40 Black Scoter

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	8 Nov 2007	Acc
Eric H.	30 Jan 2008	Acc	I think I will make this record my first vote. There is no way I can get this one wrong. Great Photos.
Kristin P.	5 Jan 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	25 Nov 2007	Acc	Adequate description and good photos.
Terry S.	11 Nov 2007	Acc
Larry T.	27 Dec 2007	Acc
David W.	15 Nov 2007	Acc	Wonderful photos.

2007-41 Red-throated Loon

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	8 Nov 2007	Acc
Eric H.	30 Jan 2008	Acc	"Dark eye prominent on face" and "dark throat with reddish patch below chin" should separate this from Pacific Loon.
Kristin P.	7 Jan 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	25 Nov 2007	Acc	Nice description and usable photos.
Terry S.	11 Nov 2007	Acc
Larry T.	27 Dec 2007	Acc
David W.	15 Nov 2007	Acc	Red cheek & white speckling.

2007-42 Black Scoter

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	8 Nov 2007	Acc
Eric H.	30 Jan 2008	Acc
Kristin P.	5 Jan 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	25 Nov 2007	Acc	Good record and photo. It seems time to remove this species from the review list as individuals are seen almost yearly in Utah.
Terry S.	11 Nov 2007	Acc
Larry T.	27 Dec 2007	Acc	This may be the next bird to take off the list. There seems to be several in the state each fall.
David W.	15 Nov 2007	Acc

2007-43 Blackpoll Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	1 Dec 2007	Acc	Very brief and limited description but adequate for this very distinctive alternate plumaged species.
Eric H.	30 Jan 2008	Acc	observer familiar with species, described distinctive adult male plumage.
Kristin P.	29 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	Nice description of distinctive plumage.
Terry S.	2 Jan 2008	Acc
Larry T.	29 Jan 2008	Acc
David W.	15 Nov 2007	Acc

2007-44 Baird's Sparrow

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	14 Mar 2008	No, ID	I don't believe a Savannah Sparrow was definitively ruled out. They can show a similar head, back, and breast pattern; serveral subspecies often show a yellowish cast across their head and face; and Western subspecies show pale outer retrices. I'm not sure the secretive nature of this bird fits a Savannah Sparrow, but as Sibley states "any species of sparrow can be secretive".
2nd round:	22 Aug 2008	No, ID	I don't believe a 'brief view in flight' and 'partial view' in the grass is sufficient to add this species to the Utah list. I believe we need a more thorough description of the entire bird to definitively separate this from other sparrows. All of the behavioural characters noted, while good for Baird's Sparrow, can be commonly ecountered from several species of sparrow.
Eric H.	5 Mar 2008	No, ID	It sounds like the observer may have just seen enough to separate it from other Sparrows. But based on the description in the record and in the observers post to birdnet shortly after the sighting, I don't believe the bird was seen well enough (brief views in flight and partial view on ground) to meet the tighter standards we have in our guidelines for a first state record.
2nd round:	19 Jun 2008	Acc	I believe other sparrows were ruled out. Good description of what observer was able to see.
Kristin P.	8 Jun 2008	No, ID	Record doesn't meet criteria for a first-state record as prescribed by bylaws.
2nd round:	16 Jun 2008	Acc	Distinct behavior of flushing at the last minute and at close range then apparently running to a new location through the grass are excellent indicators of this species. Yellow cast to head and head pattern convincing; good choices of species to eliminate. I couldn't find any reference that described a Savannah Sparrow subspecies with a yellow-tinged head; Rick, please elaborate. Of particular significance to me was this statement from Beadle and Rising, 2003, p129: "Baird's Sparrows appear flat-headed and large-billed; the entire head is washed with yellow ochre, and with a buffy ochre crown-stripe; territorial Baird's Sparrows are rather easy to see, but otherwise they are secretive and hard to flush, unlike Savannah Sparrows." I did see one reference that suggested juvenile Baird's and Savannahs can look similar, but the preponderance of information was consistent with Larry's description of a Baird's.
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	This is a minimal description, but I think the most critical field marks were observed. The behavior is certainly not consistent with savannah sparrow (most similar colorwise) and fits this species.
(Colby N.) 2nd rnd:	2 Jul 2008	No ID	Agree with Rick that I think a more detailed description, good prolonged views or photos are absolutely necessary for a record such as this...including the field marks that ruled out Savannah Sparrow (including the various subspecies). I don't think the behavior of the bird eliminates Savannah Sparrow as almost any sparrow in a grassy field will spook in the pattern described.
Terry S.	2 Jan 2008	Acc	Very good description given including behavior
2nd round:	22 Jun 2008	Acc
Larry T.	29 Jan 2008	Acc	Given the bylaws I guess the only list this one can be added to is my own. Still I did think that it was important to submit a record of this sighting anyway. Because of the secretive nature of this species good luck trying to get physical evidence without a net.
2nd round:	23 Sep 2008	Acc
David W.	3 Dec 2007	Acc	I wish the description of the "Dark spots on the rear of the auricular" had been more precise. How many spots? Was it two or a half dozen? Likewise, was the crown stripe broad or narrow and how yellowish was it? Etc. I appreciate how difficult this species is to observe well, and so the amount of detail provided is laudable, obviously representing much patience and effort, yet I am voting to accept only reluctantly because the language used to describe the bird was somewhat vague. However, I think it is sufficient.
2nd round:	2 Jul 2008	Acc

2007-45 Palm Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	1 Dec 2007	Acc	This bird remained through at least 11/27/07.
Eric H.	30 Jan 2008	Acc	Great photos; observer familiar with species; other observers.
Kristin P.	30 Dec 2007	Acc
Ronald R.	1 Dec 2007	Acc	Nice description and photos.
Terry S.	2 Jan 2008	Acc	Good photos
Larry T.	29 Jan 2008	Acc
David W.	29 Nov 2007	Acc	Great photos, as usual from Tim.

2007-46 Pine Warbler

Evaluator	Date	Vote	Comment
Rick F.	1 Dec 2007	Acc
Kristin P.	8 Jun 2008	Acc
Ronald R.	24 Dec 2007	Acc	Nice detailed description and very good photos, particularly of underside of tail.
Terry S.	2 Jan 2008	Acc	convincing photos and narrative
Eric H.	30 Jan 2008	Acc	Two well written sight records eliminating similar species. Good photos showing the needed field marks. Great first state record! It can be a hard species to ID. I'm glad we had such good documentation.
Larry T.	29 Jan 2008	Acc
David W.	2 Dec 2007	Acc	Another fine record from Lytle Ranch.