|
2026-01 Rusty
Blackbird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
6 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
The description and images confirm the species. |
|
Max M. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photos definitive, good documentation |
|
Keeli M. |
20 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Rusty edging on feathers, face pattern, and
description of observed gray rump support ID as RUBL. |
|
Bryant
O. |
5 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Nice photos of a female |
|
Kris P. |
23 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
The photos show lots of the definitive features
that are distinctive from a Brewer's or female Red-wing, and Matt added
that he saw the bird's gray rump. |
|
Dennis S. |
9 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Good detailed report, with several observers,
and good photos. |
|
Mark S. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photos are definitive. |
|
David
W. |
5 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photos clearly show a female-type Rusty
blackbird in winter plumage. The amount of contrast in the face patterning
and the buffy/rusty edging to wing feathers is outside the range for the
similar immature Brewer's blackbirds. Also, the description of the gray
rump is very compelling. |
|
Kevin
W. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Combination of light-colored eye, contrasty
supercilium, rusty wing-feathers, and gray rump indicate Rusty Blackbird. |
2026-02
Vermilion Flycatcher
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
12 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Descriptions and photos confirm Vermilion
Flycatcher |
|
Max M. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Nice photos and documentation |
|
Keeli M. |
20 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Would have preferred at least a mention of how
SAPH was eliminated, but photos show a female VEFL. |
|
Bryant
O. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Not sure why VEFL show up at Utah Lake every
year but they have been lately. This looks like a HY male? Good Photos. |
|
Kris P. |
23 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Strong documentation, particularly 2026-02. |
|
Dennis S. |
9 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Submitted photos and prior hotline photos leave
no doubt. |
|
Mark S. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show adult female Vermilion Flycatcher. |
|
David
W. |
8 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Honestly, he had me at "Vermie." The rest
was just gravy. |
|
Kevin
W. |
23 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photo shows a cute little Vermilion Flycatcher. |
2026-03
Bronzed Cowbird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
27 Jan 2026 |
To 2nd |
I've seen only a few Bronzed Cowbirds in
Arizona. They are strikingly different from other blackbirds when I've
seen them in the field, but the image, and its cropped versions, that we
have with this record obscure some important traits. The description and
What appears to be a thick-based bill are intriguing to me, but the head
size and shape don't seem to eliminate other blackbird species from what I
can discern from the images. The crown appears slightly elongated, but
that may be impacted by the bird stretching the head forward and downward.
I don't think that I'm seeing a ruff on the neck. I'm not sure that I'm
seeing the iris of the bird in the images. It almost appears like a lid or
nictitating membrane may be covering it, so I'm not able to confirm the
red that was described in the written record. Tail shape is not
discernable in the image. I'm not sure what to make of one blue spot near
a shoulder. The record indicates that blue could be seen on the wing of
the bird even in the shade, but I'm not really seeing that in the image we
have been presented. I'm not confident that I'm seeing a Bronzed Cowbird,
but I'm also hesitant to say no to the ID outright. This is likely the
first time I'm voting to send a record to the second round for further
discussion, but I'm currently leaning away from the Bronzed Cowbird ID. |
|
2nd round: |
22 Feb
2026 |
No, ID |
The observer indicated in the Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics section of the record that he felt that the
image he discovered he had captured after returning from the field had
enough "field IDs" to solidify the the ID and rule out others species.
Consequently, I've decided to base my vote on that original image and its
cropped versions since a drawing can be considered more subjective,
especially if drawn any length of time after the field encounter. I'm not
sure how to explain what appears to be a rather thick-based bill. My first
thought was whether it might be a deformity since I don't see any other
traits in the image to confirm Bronzed Cowbird. For example, I don't see a
red iris, which would be unique to the species among blackbirds. The eye
appears to be closed in the original image. Two subsequent images shared
via email during the second round by the observer, which may or may not be
the actual bird according to the observer, show what looks like yellow
irises to my eye. The head shape in those images look good for Brewer's
Blackbird. I don't see obvious evidence of a ruff in any of the images
we've been provided. The blue spot near the shoulder in the upscaled and
edited versions of the original image could be the result of an
oversaturation during the upscaling and editing process since it is very
minimal in the original image. None of images shared in the first or
second round show blue flight feathers that were reportedly visible "even
on the side not facing the sun." Perhaps that is an exposure problem with
the images. I'm left with too many questions to confirm the species. |
|
Max M. |
14 Jan 2026 |
To 2nd |
I have some concerns with this record. The
single photo is oversaturated and very poor quality. While the write-up is
decent, they tend to ID birds from photos after the fact and I am
concerned that is the case with this record, despite noting field marks
"in the field". With the oversaturation there does appear to be a blue
iridescence on the back, the eye appears brownish? or reddish but doesn't
seem quite right for Bronzed Cowbird. Are we seeing the eye or the
nictitating membrane? It also seems odd that the head looks like an
umbrellabird, maybe distortion from the photo? I also find it concerning
that the record was submitted 10 days after the observation. Is it
possibly a Bronzed Cowbird? Possibly but I am not confident we can rule
out other species. |
|
2nd round: |
26 Feb
2026 |
No, ID |
I think JC's assessment is a good detailed
evaluation of this record and I agree with BO, there isn't enough here to
prove Bronzed Cowbird beyond a reasonable doubt. |
|
Keeli M. |
14 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Picture are a little tough but they do show bird
does not have a light eye, and they show what could potentially be a blue
flash in the wing. Based on description of observed characteristics,
accepting this record. |
|
2nd round: |
8 Mar
2026 |
No, ID |
Given the inconsistencies in the record and the
concerns and comments that were shared, I also agree there's too many
questions to accept/support ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
14 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Interesting Blackbird, but inconclusive looks.
I'm not seeing any red in the eye, in fact it looks like the eyelid is
closed in the photo. Odd he didn't even consider a Red-winged Blackbird,
which was not eliminated and has all the field marks described. Its not
uncommon for the red to not show. BRCO has not been proven here. |
|
2nd round: |
25 Feb
2026 |
No, ID |
I still feel the brief looks obtained in the
field were not enough to confirm such a rarity, photos themself are
inconclusive. BRCO has not been proven here beyond a reasonable doubt. |
|
Kris P. |
26 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
I think the observer made the most of his brief
and limited view. The field sketch is very helpful given how strong the
impression of the blue iridescence was, but the photo didn't capture it
well. The bird's bill and forehead shape is very convincing. I'm not
troubled by the eye not appearing red. A bright red eye is that of a
breeding male, but a non-breeding male might have a more subdued
orange-brown iris and the low light of the photo might not have picked
that up. I wish he had included a comment about observing the eye color,
but nevertheless, this is a well-documented record. |
|
2nd round: |
11 Mar
2026 |
No, ID |
I appreciate the insight offered by everyone and
the extensive evaluation of this record. I'm also changing my vote due to
significant doubts that this bird was a Bronzed Cowbird. |
|
Dennis S. |
21 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Very detailed written report. The description of
unique characteristics and comparisons with other blackbirds was thorough
and narrowed the decision to accept. The drawing was unique. The photos
didn't add much! |
|
2nd round: |
26 Feb
2026 |
No, ID |
After reconsidering the comments from committee
members from the first round I agree there are too many questions about
this record for acceptance. |
|
Mark S. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Detailed description seems to rule out
similar species. I wish the eye were visible in the photo, but the bird
appears to be blinking. However, everything in the photo is consistent
with Bronzed Cowbird. |
|
2nd round: |
3 Mar
2026 |
No, ID |
Given the significant questions raised regarding
this record, I'll change my vote to err on the side of caution. |
|
David
W. |
14 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Compelling and very thorough writeup.
Discussions of structure and color all point to this species. |
|
2nd round: |
26 Feb
2026 |
No, ID |
Thanks to those on the Committee who shared
their doubts to prompt us to take a second, third, fourth, fifth... look
at this bird.
The most compelling thing for me about this bird was the photo that
appeared to show a very thick bill. That's hard to argue with, especially
when combined with the written description of other field marks. But when
I re-look at the photos closely, it's really difficult to make out what
the shape of that bill in actuality is. The lower mandible almost looks
too thick compared to the maxilla, with the division between the two going
up at a very steep angle that, if extrapolated, would seem to cut the
upper mandible off far shorter than it ought to be. Maybe that's just an
illusion, but then maybe so is the thick bill. [Am I seeing that wrong??]
The reason I am beginning to second-guess my first and second impression
that the bird has a thick bill is that the bill in the photo is the same
color as the dark splotches behind the bird (which appear to be
"illusions" caused by grass stems outlining shadows beyond. These dark
ovals/blotches can be seen above and below the bill in the photo, almost
like echoes. I now wonder whether the upper mandible "thickness" is just a
superimposed dark blotch in the background rather than actual bill mass. I
cannot, with the blurry photo being what it is, rule out being duped by an
illusion, a trick of the light. This doubt is only bolstered by the photos
subsequently sent to us by the observer (of birds which may or may not
include this bird, but which are blackbirds in a similar light) where
bills are blurred/doubled by movement because of long exposures due to the
low light conditions, making them look deceptively thick.
As for the adorable drawing, I think it better supports a puffin than a
cowbird ID. I say that with envy and admiration knowing full well it is
better than anything I'd likely manage myself.
So, yeah, I no longer feel confident enough in the ID to vote in the
affirmative on this species. It MAY have been a Bronzed cowbird, but "may"
is not good enough to accept such a rarity in this part of the world.
[By the way, knowing the person reporting this 2026-03 record is an avid
eBird contributor, I tried to find his bird on an eBird checklist to see
if I could glean more information. I found no checklists in the area
searching eBird for "Bronzed cowbird" or "blackbird sp." for January 3,
2026. Because this Bronzed cowbird was reported as associating with
Brewer's blackbird, I also searched under that species. However, the only
checklist by our observer I could find in the area on that date was for
1:13-2:20 pm. So that checklist, which contained no mention of cowbirds or
"blackbird sp.," ended 20 minutes before the time listed (2:40 pm) on
Record 2026-03 for the observation of the Bronzed cowbird we are
evaluating. All this is to say that the 1:13 pm eBird checklist I found
sheds no light on the bird we are evaluating, one way or another. It is
unfortunate the observer did not submit an eBird checklist covering the
time reported in Record 2026-03 (not even an "incidental" checklist), but
so be it.] |
|
Kevin
W. |
23 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
I wish the photo was better, but it does show
the distinct large bill. The description in the submitted report also
indicates it had a red iris, something I would hope since the photo
doesn't show it (maybe his eye was closed?). The glossy blue wings also
are good for Brown-headed. |
|
2nd round: |
27 Feb
2026 |
No, ID |
After considering other
reviewers' analysis of this bird and re-looking at the photos, I think
that there may not be enough to conclusively identify this as a Bronzed
Cowbird. |
2026-04
Tennessee Warbler
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
15 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
The description lines up well with a first-year
Tennessee Warbler with a bit more white on the underside. Similar species
are sufficiently eliminated. |
|
Max M. |
29 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Nice write-up eliminating similar species. |
|
Keeli M. |
14 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Observer's description hits the key points of
identification that rule out other species. |
|
Bryant
O. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Description hits all the field marks for a TEWA.
I'm curious of the age listed as immature male? Fall immatures and females
are probably not IDable unless captured. |
|
Kris P. |
26 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Lots of good ID points here, especially the bill
impression, face pattern, white under-tail coverts, and significant
differences from the Orange-crowned present. KC's long observation of the
bird through his camera lens in the attempt to capture a photo puts him in
a good position to suggest this might be the same bird depicted later in
2025-65. |
|
Dennis S. |
21 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Even with the late entry the written report is
convincing enough to accept the record. The 4 hour effort spent in the
area trying to get a photo but only observing the bird multiple times was
impressive! |
|
Mark S. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent description and detailed analysis
establishes the i.d. - all important features were seen and noted. |
|
David
W. |
15 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Not quite sure what some of the eye arc
description might have been about, so I will not address it here. But
other than my confusion about that, the description sounds like a
Tennessee warbler to me. In addition, the observer is a good and
experienced birder who found many of the rare birds credibly reported in
Utah in 2025. |
|
Kevin
W. |
23 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
I feel that the description is good for a
Tennessee Warbler; especially the white vent. |
2026-05
Mexican Duck
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
This appears to be the same individual that was
confirmed by the UBRC in 2022. That duck was observed in January as well
in essentially the same location (Record 2022-01). If not the same bird,
it is essentially identical in its key traits. I am voting to accept this
record based on the criteria that have been applied to previous MEDU
records by The Committee. I'll share some additional thoughts in case we
go to a second round. BirdsoftheWorld.org indicates that MEDUs are about
10% smaller than Mallards. This one is noticeably larger based on
checklist images showing the bird next to wild Mallards. I made the same
assessment when I observed our current duck in the field. As the volunteer
eBird reviewer for Utah County, I saw numerous images of this individual
before this record was submitted. The bent tail feathers and what appeared
to be a darkish rump caught my attention, but when I explored the species
in eBird, I noticed that eBird's featured MEDU photo by Ryan O'Donne
ll (a former UBRC member) was an exact match to our bird, right down to a
couple of slightly bent tail feathers and what can look like a darkish
rump under certain lighting conditions. There appears to be some tolerance
for slight tail curl/bend for MEDU. Here's the link to the image from the
Macaulay Library:
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/46186291
Photo C of this record lines up well with the eBird's featured image of
MEDU.
In proper lighting, the pale fringed rump feathers are visible (See Photos
C and D). Photo D shows the broader blue band and thinner white outer
bands expected for a MEDU speculum. |
|
Max M. |
29 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Well documented bird |
|
Keeli M. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
This bird looks good for a MEDU. No white or
curl in tail, clean demarcation between paler head and reddish brown body. |
|
Bryant
O. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Looks mostly pure, rump a little dark but that
could be some lighting issues. Tail brown without prominent curl. Probably
has a Mallard somewhere in its ancestry but so do most ducks |
|
Kris P. |
26 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
I'm not sure what happened to the Species
elimination narrative, but the hybrid elimination in the Field Marks
section is strong and the photos are outstanding. |
|
Dennis S. |
15 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Most birders of Utah and Salt Lake County have
seen this bird and there's no question concerning ID. |
|
Mark S. |
16 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. The photos show classic
Mexican Duck features, with none showing signs of a hybrid - a rare,
phenotypically "pure" individual for Utah. |
|
David
W. |
21 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent writeup and photos. This is about as
Mexican a duck as we ever get here in Utah. The breast color (and lack of
contrast with the flanks), tail color, speculum color, bill color, head
contrast, lack of green in head, and lack of significant tail curl all
point to Mexican duck. Nice record. |
|
Kevin
W. |
23 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
I think this bird shows enough traits to
be considered a Mexican Duck: Yellow bill, distinct line of color-change
from head to neck, no real curly tail feathers, dark undertail coverts
with no white. |
2026-06
Gray Hawk
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
27 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Blocky head, dark cap, red eyes, gray cheeks,
rufous underside markings, tubular shape, and long gray and dark banded
tail with a thick white tip point to adult Cooper's Hawk. Adult Gray Hawk
would show a more rounded gray head, dark eyes, fine gray barring on the
underside, and black and white tail bands. |
|
Max M. |
29 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Photos show a Cooper's Hawk |
|
Keeli M. |
1 Mar 2026 |
No, ID |
Photos show COHA with very pale chest. |
|
Bryant
O. |
23 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Photos show an adult Cooper's Hawk |
|
Kris P. |
26 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
It looks like this submitter had a very
beautiful Cooper's Hawk visit. |
|
Dennis S. |
3 Feb 2026 |
No, ID |
What an interesting bird. It does have some Gray
Hawk characters (gray back) but lacks several others (black and white
banded tail). It has accipiter characters and looks more like a Cooper's
than anything else. But it isn't quite right. Are there variations which
have such a light buffy breast instead of a normal rusty barred breast? |
|
Mark S. |
29 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Photos show a Cooper's Hawk. |
|
David
W. |
23 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Accipiter. |
|
Kevin
W. |
23 Jan 2026 |
No, ID |
Looks like a Cooper's Hawk. |
2026-07
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
2 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Description is sufficient and images include the
species. |
|
Max M. |
29 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Nice photos and flock size in an area where
these birds are likely annual |
|
Keeli M. |
1 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and write-up support ID for several
individuals. Incidentally Sibley states that BCRF and BLRF do hybridize,
although I would have to do some research to find supporting evidence of
it occurring. |
|
Bryant
O. |
29 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photos support ID traits listed in the record. |
|
Kris P. |
25 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
The fact that adults were present, and probably
adult males that showed intense pink while still sporting the
black-centered gray-edged crown feathers, is a strong validation for this
ID. The analysis eliminating young Gray-crowns is thorough. It's
interesting that photo AG shows a red color-marked bird likely banded ~3.5
miles away at Josh Fife's banding site, since red is the color he uses. |
|
Dennis S. |
2 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Nice sets on convincing photos. Good crew of
observers. |
|
Mark S. |
29 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Call this record McKay's revenge?
Excessively detailed write-up, and ample definitive photos of multiple
individuals that are clearly BCRF. One thing I find curious, given the
level of detail and the mention of GCRF numbers in the flock, that there's
no mention of BLRF present is spite of several individuals visible in the
photos. |
|
David
W. |
29 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show that the flock contained a large
number of Brown-capped Rosy-Finches, along with some other Rosy-Finches.
The excruciatingly detailed (nearly feather-by-feather) written
description bolsters my conviction that this excellent record shows that
this species occurs in our state in fairly robust numbers during the
winter months.
I note, with wry amusement, that I hope this record does not "burn up in
flames and [isn't] subsequently erased from Ebird data" as described in
the Additional Comments section. |
|
Kevin
W. |
30 Jan 2026 |
Acc |
The description is very detailed and I feel
describes the definitive characteristics well. I also think the photos are
definitive, showing dark centers of gray feathers on the edges of the
crown, and browner cheek and breast feathers than other rosy-finches.
|
2026-08
Red-shouldered Hawk
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
3 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
No question about the ID. Description and images
make this an easy one to confirm. |
|
Max M. |
26 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Well documented Bird |
|
Keeli M. |
1 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show plumage pattern and body shape
supporting ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
3 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Glad the banders weighed in |
|
Kris P. |
25 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
3 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Good report and excellant supportive photos.
EasyID. |
|
Mark S. |
3 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation supported by numerous
diagnostic photos. |
|
David
W. |
3 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Another nice find by one of our own. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show distinct characters of a
Red-shouldered Hawk, including the yellow cere, reddish shoulders, and
streaked bib. |
2026-09 Vega
Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
7 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
I've spent more time on this record than every
other record I've reviewed since becoming a voting member of the Committee
a little over a year ago. In reading the record, I noted that the author
of my latest and greatest guide for gulls had already weighed in on the
ID. How could I argue with the guy who wrote the book? Well, I wanted to
do my due diligence, so I tried. In the end, I found myself agreeing that
traits to confirm Vega Gull are well-documented in both word and images
with this record. |
|
2nd round: |
13 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
I've puzzled and puzzled over this record
because I don't want to shirk my duties as a voting member of The
Committee. I would have considered it a Herring Gull if I had seen it in
the field. Kudos to Bryant for being so discerning when there is so much
variation among individuals in the Herring Gull complex. Without genetic
information, we are left with judging this individual phenotypically. Amar
Ayyash states that it "looks" like a Vega Gull and then supports that with
a list of field marks upon which that statement is based. I'm finding it
difficult to argue with the guy who wrote the book that I'm using to help
me review this record. |
|
Max M. |
26 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
I remember Bryant's excitement over this bird in
the field and we have talked about it over the years. Good documentation
and write-up, and also good to have an outside expert opinions from the
author of the Gull Guide and others more familiar with Vega Gull. |
|
2nd round: |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
I appreciate DW's hesitancy with this one, but
researching/looking at those other species the 1st cycles look very
different to me. Also - as Bryant eluded to the likelihood of vagrancy
from those other species seem extremely unlikely. I still think there is
adequate documentation here to eliminate other species. |
|
Keeli M. |
10 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Vega/Herring complex gull ID is difficult at
best. This seems like a plausible ID based on photos of defining features
and details described in write-up. Given the supporting agreement of gull
experts, I believe there's enough evidence to support this ID. |
|
2nd round: |
30 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
No change in vote given the excellent discussion
and expert support of the ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
11 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
16 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Sorry for the delayed replied, my field season
just got started and I've been very busy. But to address David's concerns.
Let start with discussing the "Herring Gull Complex": What the evidence
shows, including DNA evidence and morphology, is that the gulls that were
formerly considered 'Herring Gulls", namely the European Herring Gull,
American Herring Gull and Vega Gull, are not each others closest relatives
and in-fact they are not closely related to each other, and there is
minimal to no gene flow between them, which is why they all have been
elevated to their own species. Basically it was just an example of
convergent evolution that they came to resemble each other. Regarding
hybrids between them, they are essentially unknown, and unexpected since
none of these 3 species overlap in nesting range with each other. Yes,
Large Larus gulls are prone to hybridization, but only when species
overlap on their nesting range and form mixed nesting colonies, such as
with GWGU and WEGU. Species that do not overlap, do not hybridize, such as
WEGU X AHGU etc. In this case oceans separate the these species nesting
regions.
Additionally there is no known hybrid combination that would produce
something that looks like the gull in question. I feel I've already
provided enough detail to reasonably eliminate American Herring Gull, so
lets consider European: Although European Herring Gulls can have the white
rump, they typically also have a solid dark tail feathers, and tend to
have a scaly pattern, with solid dark gray feathers with pale edging,
rather than the pale feathers with dark anchor marks of Vega. Also their
bills tend to stay black much later into the season than either VEGU or
AHGU, which usually turn pink based fairly early. Of course European
Herring Gulls are largely confined to the Atlantic coast in North America,
where they are casual at best, with very few records west of the east
coast, and none inland. Vega Gulls are regular in good numbers in the
Bering Sea and Alaska, and some wander down the west coast every winter,
with a few inland records. Its clear that Utah is inclined to get west
coast gulls fairly regularly and much more so than east coast gulls, so
range alone would seem to eliminate European, but plumage also does so in
this case. Mongolian Gull, which is the closest relative to Vega, is
unknown even in Alaska and the Bering sea and is not known to wander
outside Asia, unlike Vega, since they have an inland rather than coastal
distribution. Based on the few photos we have of them, they do appear much
paler in 1st cycle with a whitish head and torso in 1st cycle, but here is
where the Zebra vs Horse hoof beats may also be put to use. Note, there is
at least one other Vega record in Utah before this, see eBird for
documentation of that bird. |
|
Kris P. |
17 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
This vote is probably a formality given that the
experts have already validated Bryant's perceptive ID. Bryant's noticing
the tail pattern, perhaps the most significant difference between Vega and
American Herring, was key and might have escaped non-lariphiles. The tail
seems especially significant due to overlap of other more subtle features
between the two species that are also highly variable, at least with the
American Herring. My concurrence is based on book and internet study
having never seen a Vega Gull. The profound similarities between Vega and
the American Herring make me untrusting of photo libraries (e.g. Macaulay)
without expert confirmation and therefore, multiple field guides with
idealized illustrations of the (former) Siberian sub-species of the
Herring Gull seem more reliable sources in my paradigm of gull ID. |
|
2nd round: |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
The voting on this record is well-supported by
what I think is deeply thorough study by everyone especially considering
our general lack of familiarity with the species and the difficult nature
of gulls. David's questions and concerns are well-justified, but I think
are also well-answered even if the outside experts who agreed on the Vega
Gull ID didn't speak with resounding conviction. I'm comfortable accepting
the record again. |
|
Dennis S. |
10 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Have seen a number on the far out Aleutian
Islands (Shemya Island). Looks to be a copy! |
|
2nd round: |
22 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
No change just let the experts rule! |
|
Mark S. |
3 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation and photos; consultation
with other authorities strengthens the record. |
|
2nd round: |
10 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
David raises some very good points, and perhaps caution would be the best
course of action. But I can't find anything in this record that
contradicts Vega Gull, and the outside experts couldn't, either, so I'm
not really left with any justification for rejecting this other than
"gulls are difficult and variable."
In the absence of contradictory evidence, I'll continue to accept the
record. |
|
David
W. |
17 Mar 2026 |
No, ID |
Apologies for taking so long to vote on this
gull. Truth is, I was reluctant to face it because I know this is a very
complex ID.
First, let me applaud the observer for even considering a non-American
Herring complex gull. My hat is off to you, sir.
My reasons for voting NO in the first round:
As the observer noted, the Herring gull complex is extremely, um, complex.
The various "species" and subspecies (henceforth, taxa) grade into one
another over the entire northern hemisphere, but especially in Eurasia. I
appreciate that, were this gull seen in NE Asia, one would not hesitate to
call this a Vega gull. But how about Central Asia or the Black Sea? This
is not the question before us. Truth is, this gull was NOT seen in NE
Asia, nor even in Alaska adjacent to that region, but instead was seen
here in a desert state half a world away -- Utah. Since the proposition
before us is that the gull is of a species normally found in Asia, I think
it is fair to expect a more vigorous defense under the Similar Species
section, one dealing with all the possible gulls within that troublesome
Herring gull complex. It is only vaguely more implausible that this gull
originated from a population in Central Asia or Europe rather than from NE
Asia.
Furthermore, the issue is complicated by the fact that gene flow within
the entire Larus genus is, to say the least, fluid. Larus gulls show an
almost preternatural proclivity to mate with (and indeed successfully
hybridize with) other species within that genus. The resulting offspring
present an almost limitless spectrum of phenotypes between the various
extremes within the genus.
So, I am not claiming this is NOT a Vega gull (oh heavens no!), but I
would like to see a more thorough discussion why this isn't, say, a
Caspian gull or the various ssp. thereof ("Mongolian," "Steppe"). Or why
not a hybrid of a Vega gull with one of the other members of that Herring
gull complex? So many taxa to choose from as a virile young (or senile
old) gull!
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Or, as Dr. Ted once
said, "When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don't expect to see a zebra."
(Ted was not advising people in Africa, of course.)
I am assuming I will yet again have the privilege of voting on this
mysterious equine, I mean gull, since the two observers who saw this beast
are voting members of our Committee and are therefore expected to vote in
the affirmative. Seeing as both are extremely knowledgeable and
skilled birders, I look forward to seeing them present their case in the
second round. |
|
2nd round: |
31 Mar 2026 |
No, ID |
We seem to be relying on outside experts. That's
fine. Here is my analysis of what they said:
One expert said it looked like a Vega gull. I agree. But did he say it was
definitely a Vega gull?
The next expert said, that WERE THIS GULL SEEN IN ASIA, they would not
hesitate to call this a Vega gull. That's a very qualified statement and
one that seems to rely on probability rather than unquestionable field
marks. He specifically seemed to dodge committing to a solid YES ("For me,
it suffices to say that is what a Vega looks like."). What if this gull
were seen on the shores of the Caspian Sea? How about Israel in the
winter? Then the probabilities shift, do they not? Utah? Certainly a very
good candidate. I agree Vega gull is the best guess.
I'd be thrilled to accept another species onto our state list, but I would
like to do so with more certainty. Bryant, can you help me see the light?
Can you eliminate the possibility of other Eurasian Larus gulls or hybrids
thereof? I would love to see it. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
I love the challenge of figuring out
gulls, especially juveniles- but I'll admit that I'm just not that good
at it, and feel a bit over my head judging this record. To pick this
gull out as something different in a group of gulls would be tricky. I
am inclined to accept this record based on the traits described by the
consulted expert in the record, but everything that I can find in other
online sources seems to match (the whitish rump, pale inner primary
panel, white undertail coverts, light streaking on the chest, etc.).
|
|
2nd round: |
30 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
I concur with others that all the study
and details noted and shown in the photos match Vega Gull, and seem to
eliminate other (even less likely) possibilities. |
2026-10
Mexican Duck
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
4 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
The description supports the ID and sufficiently
eliminates other possibilities based on the phenotypic standards we have
used to review recent Mexican Duck records. While the photos are not
ideal, they appear to confirm what has been described. |
|
Max M. |
26 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent write-up and description eliminating
"hybrid". Although poor and distant photos support the ID. |
|
Keeli M. |
30 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Description and photos support ID and rule out
hybrid characteristics. |
|
Bryant
O. |
26 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
22 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Photos convince. |
|
Mark S. |
3 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Good documentation. |
|
David
W. |
27 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Saved by the excellent writeup. |
|
Kevin
W. |
27 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
It's hard to tell many distinguishing
characteristics of this duck from the photos, although it does show a
yellow bill and dark undertail. The description in the record, though,
provides enough detail to accept and rule out mallards and hybrids (to the
point described). |
2026-11
Mexican Duck
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
4 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
The written record and photos meet the
phenotypic standards we have used to review recent records for Mexican
Duck. |
|
Max M. |
26 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Seems good for Utah MEDU and supporting write-up |
|
Keeli M. |
8 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Photos support ID and show lack of curl in the
tail, narrow white bar on the wing, greenish yellow bill, dark eye stripe,
darker crown. The only thing that gives me a little pause is the amount of
white in the tail, which could be a sign of hybridization or could be
bleached feathers. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
Can't see the rump in the photos provided on the
record, but the tail, crown and breast show no obvious sign of hybrid.
This observer sent me addition photos of this bird before submitting the
record to get my opinion on the birds "purity". I can provide those photos
to anyone interested. Everything checks out for a Mexican. |
|
Dennis S. |
22 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Photos convince. |
|
Mark S. |
3 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Nothing to point to a hybrid in this one. |
|
David
W. |
27 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
The tail feather edging is a bit pale, but
overall this seems like a fairly "clean" individual for our neck of the
woods. I'm pleased to see the observer checked whether this bird was the
same as the one near the Provo River Delta. Saves us a lot of
hand-wringing. Good data. If this and Bryant's records are accepted, that
would make three Mexican duck drakes here along the Wasatch Front at the
same time. |
|
Kevin
W. |
3 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Description and photos show what seems to pass
as a Mexican Duck: Dark undertail coverts, no curl in tail feathers,
distinct line between head and breast colors, cinnamon-tinted breast,
yellow bill, dark crown. |
2026-12
Eastern Bluebird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
4 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
The description of orange throat, white belly,
and all-blue topside point to Eastern Bluebird. The images show described
field marks and confirm the Eastern Bluebird ID. |
|
Max M. |
26 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Was wondering when we would get one of these
again, hopefully we will see a record for the other report further north
at some point |
|
Keeli M. |
8 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Photos are supportive of ID and show orange
throat and sides of neck as well as the white belly characteristic of a
male EABL. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 Feb 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
22 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Lots of convincing photos and excellent
comparison with WEBU. |
|
Mark S. |
10 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent photos. |
|
David
W. |
4 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent photos and writeup indicate Eastern
bluebirds. |
|
Kevin
W. |
3 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show Bluebird with red throat. |
2026-13
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
9 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
The written record lacks some important details,
but the images show an immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. |
|
Max M. |
26 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Unless my poor eyes are fooling me and I am
missing something minor, looks good for YBSA |
|
Keeli M. |
30 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Complete white throat with black border and lack
of red nape support ID as a female YBSA. |
|
Bryant
O. |
8 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Looks good for a female. Maybe same YBSA seen at
Payson? |
|
Dennis S. |
22 Mar 2026 |
Acc |
Lots of photos from 6 different observers over a
2 week span. This makes things a little complicated. Not sure they are all
of same bird. Most show red nape lacking, and prominent barring across the
back. The complete black border around throat area is a little fuzzy. Will
vote for acceptance for now, but want to see if other committee members
have any similar concerns. |
|
Mark S. |
10 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
That much juvenile plumage in February indicates
YBSA. |
|
David
W. |
2 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Very late in the year for any pure Red-naped. No
signs of significant hybridization evident in the excellent photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
3 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show sapsucker with juvenile plumage,
messy back bars, lack of red in nape, and fully outlined throat patch. |
2026-14
Wood Thrush
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
15 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Image shows a Wood Thrush with its red tones. |
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2026 |
Acc |
The lighting and focus both minimize and
exaggerate some details, but I still think it looks good for a Wood
Thrush. |
|
Max M. |
9 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Well spotted by our eBird Liaison. . . Good
record for UT! |
|
2nd round: |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Though the photo is poor, there isn't any other
thrush that shas the traits shown here. Continuing to accept. |
|
Keeli M. |
26
Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Despite the record lacking a fair bit of
information, the photos are supportive of ID as a WOTH |
|
2nd round: |
19 May 2026 |
Acc |
No changes from first round. Record is lacking,
but photos is supportive of ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
17 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Poor record, but the photo does show a Wood
Thrush |
|
2nd round: |
20 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photo is poor and description lacking, but the
photo does show a Wood Thrush. Those large black spots on the breast and
the eyering are unmistakable.. To comment of Kris's comment, eBird
reviewers CAN see the date a checklist was created and the date it was
last edited. But not individual records on that checklist. I'm not the
reviewer in Uintah county so I can't see that, but in the regions I am, I
can. |
|
Kris P. |
7 May 2026 |
Acc |
Thanks to Colby for snagging this one, given the
eBird checklist might have been submitted years ago and so finding a
rarity mis-identified as a common bird seems like a long-shot discovery.
The photo is nearly all there is to go on here, but it's enough to
distinguish the Wood Thrush from the Catharus thrushes, Ovenbird and Brown
Thrasher. The pure white breast and bold black spots are distinctive from
those species, among other subtleties. |
|
2nd round: |
18 May 2026 |
Acc |
David's concerns are understandable given the
single marginal photo with the bird seemingly in shade and the minimal
description. But the photo shows Wood Thrush characteristics clearly
enough for me to distinguish the bird from other spot-breasted candidates
and so I'll continue to accept.
I messaged Colby to understand how this mis-identification came to light.
He said the photo was flagged by other birders back in February who were
looking through Hermit Thrush records. Colby then contacted Jesse to bring
it to his attention. Colby also said he couldn't determine when the
checklist was originally filed. (That was my request--eBird doesn't show
that information to reviewers, apparently. I don't believe he asked
Jesse.) |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
It is a WOTH, but I always have some concern
when a report is not entered for several years, especially when the
observer is on an extended trip and may not correctly remember when or
where the record was taken from. |
|
2nd round: |
12 May 2026 |
Acc |
No change in thoughts from First Round. |
|
Mark S. |
10 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Photo shows a Wood Thrush. |
|
2nd round: |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
I think David's concerns are more a result of
photo quality, and not from lacking characteristics of Wood Thrush. No
other (NA at least) bird has that speckling on the breast, and combined
with the rufous upperparts, clinches the i.d. as Wood Thrush. |
|
David
W. |
31 Mar 2026 |
No, ID |
I'm honestly not certain which thrush this might
be, but I'm not convinced this is a Wood thrush based on the photo and
scant description. It may just be a result of the lighting/focus in the
photo (which is mostly what we have to go on), but this doesn't look like
a Wood thrush to me. Granted I've only seen a bit over twenty of these
things in my life, but the Wood thrushes I have seen had more vibrantly
rufous coloration, more contrastingly white-gray speckling on the face
(extending above the eye), more prominent white eye ring, and a bolder
malar patterning. I realize that some of these field marks vary to some
degree, but overall, this is missing too many of those classic field marks
for me to vote to accept in the first round. I don't know what this was,
so am curious what others have t say. |
|
2nd round: |
27 May 2026 |
Acc |
Okay, since I cannot find a better alternative,
I'll concede. |
|
Kevin
W. |
3 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Photo shows distinct reddish crown, bold spots
without smudging favoring Wood Thrush. |
|
2nd round: |
21 May 2026 |
Acc |
I still believe the photos are definitive for a
Wood Thrush, despite lacking details in the written submission. |
2026-15
Least Tern
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
15 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Ignoring Photo H, the written record and photos
document a Least Tern with it unique yellow bill, white forehead (sort
of), dark outer primaries, and small size. |
|
Max M. |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Looks good for a Least Tern, good bird for
Tooele County. |
|
Keeli M. |
26 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Observer s details in write up and photos
support ID as LETE. |
|
Bryant
O. |
17 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Great find and rather early for Utah |
|
Kris P. |
18 May 2026 |
Acc |
Written description supported by multiple photos
that show Least Tern characteristics clearly enough. Photo H of a Killdeer
was obviously mistakenly included. |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
No question about correct identification -
photos show necessary characters of this small flying tern. |
|
Mark S. |
11 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Good documentation, photos in aggregate support
the identification. |
|
David
W. |
14 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Nice record. My only quibble is that Photo H is
not the same bird or species as the others. |
|
Kevin
W. |
30 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Good description and photos show diagnostic
features of yellow bill and white on forehead. |
2026-16
Costa's Hummingbird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
13 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
This bird was originally reported as a
Black-chinned Hummingbird. Utah County eBird filters flagged the species
because it was earlier than expected. I asked the observer for some field
notes and/or media. It was clear to me that it was a Costa's Hummingbird
as soon as I saw the images and video. What an amazing Utah County yard
bird for Taylor and her husband. According to eBird, it is the first Utah
County record. |
|
Max M. |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
I struggle a bit with gorget color but looks
good to me for Costa's |
|
Keeli M. |
26 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Photos support ID as COHU. |
|
Bryant
O. |
17 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Great backyard bird for Northern Utah! Glad they
didn't go with Merlin suggestion. |
|
Kris P. |
18 May 2026 |
Acc |
Amazing record, now the northern-most incidence
of the species in Utah. Perhaps this is overdue in our northerly areas
considering many other extra-limital records outside the state and farther
north. |
|
Dennis S. |
16 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
An unusual record, way out of normal range, but
no doubt about identification. |
|
Mark S. |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Adult male with good photos makes this an easy
call. |
|
David
W. |
14 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Wow, what a yard bird for northern Utah! Lovely
video. |
|
Kevin
W. |
30 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show purple and crazy-long gorget of a
Costa's Hummingbird. |
2026-17
Western Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
17 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Proper field marks identified in the record and
supported by images. Similar species eliminated. |
|
Max M. |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Well done to the folks paying close attention to
mis-ID'd photos on eBird, this was a Utah lifer for me. I was able to hear
it doing its long call from 30 yards away. |
|
Keeli M. |
19 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and write-up showing pink legs, pink
gape, dark iris, and lack of red orbital support ID. |
|
Bryant
O. |
26 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Interesting gull that unlike what the record
states, it is NOT an adult, but has retained immature brown feathers in
the wing coverts and a dark tail band, and lacks primaries apical spots.
Therefore its seems to a late 3rd cycle bird transitioning to 4th cycle
and over the summer will probably molt the last of its immature feathers
and be in adult or near adult plumage by fall. But at least they got the
species correct for the record. I got excellent point blank looks at
eating a dead carp 20m away on 4/23. |
|
Kris P. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Seen and photographed by many birders. I'm
accepting while noting the bird depicted is a 3rd cycle given the worn
brown-tinged greater coverts and black terminal tail band, also reported
by other observers, rather than an adult reported in this record. This nit
doesn't affect the record, however, since the subject bird is still a
Western Gull. |
|
Dennis S. |
21 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent report comparing with other
black-backed gulls. Good supportive photos leaves no doubt. |
|
Mark S. |
20 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation and photographs. Photos
show Western Gull, and I agree with the subspecies assigned. |
|
David
W. |
21 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
Nice work eliminating other similar gulls. Great
photos. |
|
Kevin
W. |
30 Apr 2026 |
Acc |
I think the bulky size and bill of this bird,
dark mantle, and pink legs all are ood for Western Gull. Other
possibilities are discussed and eliminated. I'm not sure I have enough
evidence to confirm as a wyamani subspecies vs the occidentalis. |
2026-18
Western Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
20 May 2026 |
No, ID |
While irises do appear darkish in most images,
with sun nearly directly overhead and shadowing the irises, Photo F has
the best exposure on the eye and appears to show lighter iris, in line
with Herring Gull. The mantle is not as dark as expected for Western. I
think the feathers in the best lighting, outside of shadows, is closer to
Herring Gull. The bill seems more in line with Herring as well. Herring
Gull was not mentioned as a possibility in the notes. I think it should
have been considered. |
|
2nd round: |
7 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
Same comments as first round. |
|
Max M. |
11 May 2026 |
No, ID |
Looks fine for an adult American Herring Gull. |
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
No change in opinion, American Herring Gulls |
|
Keeli M. |
19 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show three large gulls with dark mantles,
white napes, pink legs, and broad tertials that give a drooping skirt
appearance (as noted in Sibley). Photos don't show the red mark on bills
for all three or the orbital rings or gape colors, but observer's
statement that they were observed is supportive. |
|
Bryant
O. |
2 May 2026 |
No, ID |
There are a number of problems with this record.
1st, the observer is not straight forward with the fact the ID was made
over 2 weeks after the fact from photos, not in the field. 2nd, other
species of gull where not consider in the discussion of similar species.
3rd, and most importantly, the gulls in the photos appear to be American
Herring Gulls. Note the pale eye, pink legs and mantle shade similar to
the Ring-billed Gulls next to them in the photos. Western Gulls would have
a MUCH darker mantle. Judgement of mantle shade of gulls can be very
difficult, especially on sunny days when shadows and lighting are harsh,
its important to have a gray scale for comparison, judging the mantle of
an unknown gull can be done by comparing to a gull of known species. In
this case the Ring-billed Gulls provide the gray scale and hint at the ID
of the gulls in questions. Gulls are hard, and IDing them from photos
after the fact is not a good idea. Even the Western Gull she did photo,
she misIDed as as a Lesser Black-backed and had to corrected by the eBird
reviewer. Clearly this observer is not very experienced with Gull ID. 4
Adult Western Gulls at the same location on the same day would be
unprecedented and extremely unlikely in Utah. |
|
2nd round: |
11 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
No change of opinion, American Herring Gulls |
|
Kris P. |
25 May 2026 |
No, ID |
The administrative details of separating this
record from the previous one (or not) provided the heads up that these
gulls were likely mis-identified Herring Gulls, so my analysis of this
record may not be all that insightful.
Not considering any other species is a red flag. The observer is reporting
details from memory and photographs, but I had the impression from her
e-mail exchange with our webmaster when submitting the record that she
"discovered" these birds only later when looking through photographs
rather than identifying them on-site. The photographs are deceiving
because of low quality and lighting, and most of the finer details of gull
ID are not visible. However, Photo D is the most telling and shows a
Herring Gull with a relatively even-edged bill with little bulbous quality
to the tip, and a mantle and scapular shade which matches the color of the
small resting gulls in the foreground, which appear to be Ring-billed
Gulls and not even the slightly darker gray California Gulls reported in
this record.
In combination with record 2026-17, four Western Gulls simultaneously at
any location in Utah would be quite unusual and carries a significant
burden of proof, which this record doesn't meet. |
|
2nd round: |
12 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
No change of thoughts from the first round. |
|
Dennis S. |
6 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Mark S. |
25 May 2026 |
No, ID |
These appear to be American Herring Gulls; the
bill shape is wrong for Western, and better for American Herring, and the
mantle color doesn't appear much different from the Ring-billed Gulls in
the photo, suggesting that he darker tones in the mantle are affects of
lighting, and not "real." |
|
2nd round: |
8 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
Still look like American Herring Gulls. |
|
David
W. |
12 May 2026 |
No, ID |
The bill looks too thin, the back pale (maybe on
the edge for a northern individual), and the "skirt" too small. Unclear
what the eye color may be. |
|
2nd round: |
9 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
Still think these are Herring gulls for all the
reasons discussed in the first round. |
|
Kevin
W. |
21 May 2026 |
No, ID |
The observer doesn't eliminate the possibility
of these being American Herring Gulls, which they seem more like to me,
with the thinner bill and lighter mantle than what I think a Western Gull
has. |
2026-19
Hudsonian Godwit
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
20 May 2026 |
Acc |
The notes and image document a nice looking
Hudsonian Godwit in breeding plumage. |
|
Max M. |
11 May 2026 |
Acc |
Great bird - jealous of this one. |
|
Keeli M. |
19 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show the dark rufous belly, the unique
facial patterning, and a good size comparison with the ibis. Description
also rules out other similar species. |
|
Bryant
O. |
6 May 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Kris P. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
Nice find; nice record. I sure would like to see
one of these in spring in Utah. |
|
Dennis S. |
12 May 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent written report comparing "similar"
shorebirds and nice group of photos. |
|
Mark S. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Not much room for doubt with breeding plumage
photos. |
|
David
W. |
6 May 2026 |
Acc |
Another great find by Bryant. Photos show a
lovely breeding-plumage HUGO. Very good writeup. |
|
Kevin
W. |
21 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show distinct cinnamon color of a
Hudsonian Godwit. |
2026-20
Zone-tailed Hawk
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
8 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
The notes do not sufficiently establish the
Zone-tailed Hawk ID for me. Flying in company with Turkey Vultures is a
good start, but there is no mention of the flight style in the record,
whether it ever held a slight dihedral wing shape or not. The topside
color is described, but the torso color is not mentioned. The yellow feet
and cere of a ZTHA, in contrast to the dark feathers, are often visible in
flight, but there is no mention of bare skin color in the record. Other
immature Buteos can show what might appear as a dark trailing edge on the
tail. I'm left wanting more detail to confirm the species and eliminate
other possibilities. |
|
2nd round: |
13 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
As noted in my first-round vote, important
details are missing to sufficiently support the ID and eliminate other
species. |
|
Max M. |
11 May 2026 |
To 2nd |
Can we be sure to rule out an immature dark
morph Broad-tailed Hawk here? "Trailing edge of tail" doesn't necessarily
distinguish terminal or sub-terminal band? Mostly seems like a decent
description for ZTHA but not sure if all other species have been
eliminated. Curious to see what others think, I might be overthinking this
one. |
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
Looks like others have similar concerns with
dark morph buteo species not being eliminated. |
|
Keeli M.
2nd: |
|
|
|
|
Bryant
O. |
11 May 2026 |
No, ID |
A common buteo ID problem is correctly IDing
dark morphs. An under appreciated ID is male dark morph Rough-legged
Hawk(black type) vs Zone-tailed Hawk. Because both are migratory in Utah,
season help but March is the one month they could overlap, and early March
that far north would be exceptional for ZTHA.They describe it as an
immature, but say it had a dark tail band, which is inconsistent with ZTHA
but match dark morph RLHA perfectly. I'm afraid RLHA has not been
completely eliminated here |
|
2nd round: |
13 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
Apologize, I misread the date as March not May?
Nevertheless I still feel other dark morph buteos were not fully
addressed, including RLHA(unlike by date), but also RTHA(highly variable
and sometimes extremely dark with no red in the tail), and BWHA, SWHA etc.
Common Black Hawk also not even considered and eliminate. So there just a
lot of assumption going on and not a really assessment of the field marks.
I'm completely confused by the tail description, did it have a terminal
band or not? |
|
Kris P. |
12 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
The details of this record barely support my
accept vote and I admit I could be convinced otherwise. The bird's flying
with Turkey Vultures, the relative size, the slaty upper-parts and the
tail band are important. Emphasis on the dark upper-side was helpful, but
features not mentioned that would have been confirming are wing posture,
wobbly flight style, and paleness of wing flight feathers even if the
distance and lighting might have precluded seeing the underside flight
feather banding. In addition, I wish the observer had eliminated a dark
juvenile Broad-winged Hawk which would have been possible in the first
week of May. I'll accept with a vote as wobbly as this bird's flight
demeanor should have been. |
|
2nd round: |
15 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
The supporting comments for the first round Not
Accept votes are right on, and I'll change my vote to Not Accept. This
record boils down to the fact that the observer told us, but he didn't
show us, at least with not enough detail and species elimination. |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Written report a little weak, but most likely a
ZTHA. |
|
Mark S. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
This is a "soft" accept, in that Zone-tailed
fits the description best, though I'm concerned by no mention of flying
with dihedral, wing shape, nor of the underwing pattern. From the
description, I wonder if a Harlan's Red-tailed can be ruled out. |
|
2nd round: |
13 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
In spite of feeling rather soft on my first
round vote, and taking into account concerns expressed by other committee
members, after reviewing the documentation again, I'm still left with the
conclusion that Zone-tailed Hawk is supported, and other similar species
can be eliminated.
The date of May 6 would make Rough-legged Hawk very unlikely, and the lack
of white above on the tail, and white on the wing from below, would also
eliminate RLHA. The description of the color being dark slate color above
is not consistent with most dark forms of buteos, that tend to more
brownish color. The tail description is perfect for an immature
Zone-tailed, that lack white in the tail, but have a finely barred tail
with a dark terminal band. The size is described as smaller than the
Turkey Vulture, as Zone-tailed Hawks are.
I share David's frustration that an apparently experienced birder didn't
give us a very clean write-up. But in re-reading the documentation, after
seeing the concerns of the other committee members, I'm left with even
fewer doubts than I had on my first review of this record. Even though
scant on detail, the written description covers all the necessary details
to establish the i.d.. |
|
David
W. |
12 May 2026 |
No, ID |
I am dismayed to find another record submitted
by someone who presumably knows their bird IDs very well yet fails to
provide the information required to make a definitive confirmation.
Perhaps in this case this may be a problem of someone used to discussing
only the finer points of a raptor ID, with the banal big stuff being
assumed. But I cannot as a reviewer assume the big stuff, as much as I
want to. I believe the observer correctly identified this raptor, based on
his claim that he was trained by Hawk Watch (though I don't want to vote
on a record simply on the basis of someone being an expert), but I find
there are basic things missing:
1) I see no discussion of bird shape (relative size, yes, but shape, no).
Right off the bat, that leaves the door open for other dark morph/dark
raptors or even other dark birds (no attempt here to be insulting--simply
pointing out the level of the lack of general description beyond "I
immediately thought that [is] a buteo.").
2) What DID the tail look like? We are told this bird had "no distinct
bands on tail consistent with immature plumage", was "completely dark
above and on tail", and it had a "noticeable dark trailing edge on tail."
So was the tail whitish with fine barring and a dark terminal band or was
it mostly dark? Immature and juvenile Zone-tailed hawks show the pale base
(or at least white patterning) of the tail above as well as below. I am a
bit puzzled.
There is nothing in this record pointing to this bird NOT being a
Zone-tailed, but I think the record lacks sufficient evidence that it IS.
Too much is implied/assumed. Like I said, I think the observer likely saw
what he knew to be a Zone-tailed hawk, but he did not make a definitive
case with his vague description that addressed just a minimal number of
field marks. |
|
2nd round: |
16 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
I'm sticking with my first round evaluation. |
|
Kevin
W. |
21 May 2026 |
No, ID |
There aren't enough details provided to be sure
it was a Zone-tailed Hawk; and a couple odd details stick out that may
indicate that it was not. First, the noticeable significant difference in
size with a Turkey Vulture (though I'm not sure which he is saying is
smaller) - Zone-tails appear about the same size. Also, the complete lack
of banding on the tail (although they indicate a dark trailing edge?) that
should be observed. |
2026-21
Pileated Woodpecker
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Notes and photos confirm the species |
|
Max M. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
I have no idea what this bird is doing in Utah
so far away from habitat. The pictures show a PIWO, it would be great if
some local Utah County Folks could verify this snag is at the location but
for now I am accepting based on what I see and what others have said on
Facebook groups about the location. Wild record for Utah!! |
|
Keeli M. |
19 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos clearly show a PIWO. |
|
Bryant
O. |
18 May 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent description and photos leave no doubt.
About time we got one with some evidence to support it, but I was
excepting one from a montane conifer forests, not wetland riparian? |
|
Kris P. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
Amazing. Now the southern-most eBird record in
the Intermountain West. I agree with KC's not needing to compare the
species with any other. On another note, I've never understood why any of
the previous reports never resulted in a first state record, particularly
the early three by Dr William Behle. |
|
Dennis S. |
18 May 2026 |
Acc |
NO questions about ID. Only question was why I
couldn't find it!!!! |
|
Mark S. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation of a long overdue
species in Utah. |
|
David
W. |
12 May 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent photos and writeup prove the case that
this is not an Ivory-billed, Imperial, or Lineated woodpecker. Since few
people keep woodpeckers as pets, I am convinced this is a good (indeed,
excellent) record for a Pileated woodpecker. Mr. Childs continues his
impressive streak of finding truly outstanding rarities in our fair state. |
|
Kevin
W. |
21 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show distinct characteristics of Pileated
Woodpecker. |
2026-22
White-rumped Sandpiper
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Distinctive field marks noted in the record and
the photo shows those marks. |
|
Max M. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show a White-rumped Sandpiper. I wonder
if they are more common migrants than we think in this part of the state. |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Would have preferred more discussion on how
other species were eliminated, but photo shows streaking on sides, long
wings, and pale base of bill. Couple that with stated observation of white
rump, and characteristics support ID as WRSA. |
|
Bryant
O. |
20 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and description support the ID. This is a
fairly reliable location for them in Utah this time of year. |
|
Kris P. |
12 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Despite not eliminating any other species, the
observer reported seeing the diagnostic reddish area at the base of the
bill (and the photo shows it, among other features) and the startling
white rump absent of the center black stripe of other Calidrines. |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photo helps with decision to accept, but report
could have been more detailed. White tail/rump viewed when in flight
tipped scales. |
|
Mark S. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photo and description establish the i.d. |
|
David
W. |
19 May 2026 |
Acc |
Not a whole lot of description to go with the
photo of a partially obscured bird, but field marks seem to confirm the
ID:
-- wing projections appear to extend beyond tail in the photo
-- pale base to bill
-- white rump (most convincing)
-- grayish coloration, esp on breast |
|
Kevin
W. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
I think that the photos show enough
characteristics to exclude other possibilities, including the long primary
projection, white and streaky breast, whitish eyebrow, and red on the base
of the lower bill. |
2026-23
Costa's Hummingbird
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
It looks good for a molting male. Summer seems
to be the time for them to complete their molt. |
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
I'll continue to accept this record in the
second round for the same reasons. It looks good for a young male in molt. |
|
Max M. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Is it a young male molting into breeding
plumage? seems like the fumanchu isn't full yet, I am bad with my colors.
I guess it could be a hybrid but I think it looks OK for Costa's. |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and description support ID as COHU. |
|
Bryant
O. |
20 May 2026 |
No,ID |
Something seems off for this hummingbird, I
would expect a Costa's gorget to extend farther on the sides and to have a
more extensive crown. The structure looks long and long tails as well. The
1st photo looks very Black-chinned like and I suspect this is a hybrid
Costa's X Black-chinned. |
|
Kris P. |
14 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
I'm continuing to accept this record because I think the bird is an SY
male in an atypical head plumage described in Pyle's Identification of
North American Birds, Pt 1, rather than a hybrid. That reference offers
illustrations of male Calypte hummingbirds with incomplete and spotty
crown plumage, and reduced lateral extensions to the gorget. I don't see
any other unusual features of this bird that might imply it's a hybrid
with the minor exception that the bird's tail is a tiny bit long (or
conversely, the wingtips aren't long enough to reach it). Other supporting
Costa's features include the white line separating the cheek from the
nape, the green instead of gray breast, and no unusual color tints
especially to the gorget.
(email
with vote clarification) |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Great photos leave no questions. |
|
Mark S. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos are definitive. |
|
David
W. |
27 May 2026 |
Acc |
Surprisingly to me, there are quite a few
records of this species as far up north as Palmer and Anchorage in coastal
Alaska and Edmonton in interior Canada -- and one as far east as Niagara
Falls! That's one heck of an overshoot for some of those little beauties,
especially when you consider how short their migration usually is. |
|
Kevin
W. |
29 May 2026 |
No,ID |
This looks like a weird hummingbird to me. A
male Costa's should have gorget feathers that poke way out on the sides,
even on immature individuals. This one doesn't. The gorget color is
correct. Also the color on the crown doesn't seem to go all the way
across. I think this may be a hybrid individual, although I'm not sure
what the cross would be, as it doesn't seem to show good characteristics
of another species like Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, or Anna's (although
more like Anna's than anything). |
2026-24
Laughing Gull
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
31 May 2026 |
No, ID |
The thin/smallish bill and bold white eye arcs
that essentially meet behind the eye, say Franklin's Gull to me. The white
tips on the primaries also appear to be within range for Franklin's Gull.
Having said that, I have very little experience with Laughing Gulls, so
I'm not sure how variable the field marks I've mentioned can be for
Laughing Gull. |
|
2nd round: |
18 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
I'm still seeing a Franklin's Gull for the same
reason I noted in the first round. Seeing comments from other committee
members has only increased my confidence level in calling this one a
Franklin's Gull. |
|
Max M. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show a Laughing Gull, although
description pretty minimal in eliminating FRGU. |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos support description of LAGU and rule out
FRGU and other similar gull sp. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 May 2026 |
No, ID |
Deja vu. Didn't we review a nearly identical
record last year by the same observer at the same location and the same
time of year? If so I can't find it? Like that record, this record failed
to do an age and molt assessment of the gull and failed to adequately
assess and eliminate the much more likely Franklin's Gull, which the
photos show. The gull is not an adult, its a 2nd cycle, which accounts for
the smaller, but still present, apical white spots on the primary tips,
and the incomplete black hood. The noticeable tertial crescents and small
dainty bill also eliminate Laughing Gull. So I think Kevin was correct in
his initial ID of this gull as a Franklins. Just because lightning struck
once, doesn't mean it will again in the same spot 3 years in a row at the
same time. |
|
2nd round: |
20 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
Photos still show a 2nd cycle FRGU to me. Bold
eye arcs nearly complete on the back, tertial crescents, petite bill,
apical spots on primaries. |
|
Kris P. |
26 May 2026 |
No, ID |
I think this bird is the classic and
confusing first-summer Franklin's Gull. The bill doesn't appear thick
enough, long enough or droopy enough to be a Laughing Gull. The white
eye-arcs both depicted in photos and described as Laughing Gull are
classic Franklin's: Bold and nearly touching at the rear of the eye
leaving a significant gap of 25-30% at the front of the eye. A Laughing
Gull's should be thinner and in two half-arcs suspended almost evenly
above and below the eye leaving almost uniform gaps front and rear. The
remaining mix of plumage features don't fit either adult, first-summer or
second-summer Laughing Gulls in May, but do fit a first-summer Franklin's.
In addition to the bill size and shape (generally even-edged and not
droopy in the photos regardless of the written description) and bold white
eye-arcs, the other first-summer Franklin's features include that the bill
is black; the incomplete white-speckled half-hood; the crisp gray confined
to the mantle and wings rather than an immature Laughing Gull's smudgy
gray on the neck, breast and sides; and the small white apical spots which
might even be entirely lacking on a Laughing Gull in May. Not all
Franklin's have bold white primary tips.
An adult Laughing Gull should have a red bill with the robust and droopy
look, full black hood possibly with scant white speckling, and the
eye-arcs I mentioned above different from a Franklin's in May.
I think it's consequential to this ID that the observer didn't age this
bird or analyze molt status and feather wear before ID'ing it to species.
The ID seems to rest almost entirely on reduced white primary tips without
the awareness that first-summer Franklin's also show that feature, among
other subtle features that were not analyzed. |
|
2nd round: |
17 Jun 2026 |
No, ID |
I'll maintain my Not Accept vote because the
photos with this record depict a first-summer (a.k.a. second cycle as
Bryant listed) Franklin's Gull. It's a positive turn of events that this
birder included photographs with this record, something other reviewers
and I have wished for instead of the many previous single-observer
anecdotal records he has submitted. But unfortunately for accepting this
record, the photos depict a Franklin's Gull in conflict with the written
word picture describing a Laughing Gull. I mentioned the conflict in bill
structure in my first round vote, so I won't describe that problem in
detail again. But Paul also describes the leg color as black when it
appears to be red in every photo. This obvious conflict in color depicted
vs. color described is not a subjective one (like describing the bill size
and shape might be) and is very concerning for the sake of future
anecdotal records where the committee doesn't have photo evidence that
confirms or ref
utes the observer's description.
My new wish is that Paul would request committee comments on his records
for the sake of feedback or skills expansion. There is so much value in
the collective analysis of nine people who view your work. Clearly from
the Previous experience field, Paul doesn't know the committee concluded
that he didn't establish (and why) the Laughing Gull ID he claimed in
record 2025-33. |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos are convincing. |
|
Mark S. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
Bill size and primary spots check out for
Laughing. |
|
David
W. |
27 May 2026 |
No, ID |
[II do not know what Kevin Wheeler saw, but the
record submitted by Paul Hicks is what I am evaluating here.]
Photos: Red legs, clear white apical spots on wing tips, relatively
straight bill, relative long extension of wing tips to tail, and shape of
the hood all point to a more common gull here in Utah -- a Franklin's. |
|
Kevin
W. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
I think that the small white spots on the
primary wing tips eliminate Franklin's Gull as a possibility, which this
gull is most like. |
2026-25
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Notes and photos confirm the ID. This appears to
be the second record of the species being seen on the north shore of Utah
Lake, with the previous record being in May of 2017. |
|
Max M. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show a nice Scissor-tailed fly. |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and description support ID as STFL. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos leave no doubt |
|
Kris P. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos! |
|
Mark S. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
Unmistakable. |
|
David
W. |
27 May 2026 |
Acc |
Distinctive bird. |
|
Kevin
W. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos shows Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in all
its beauty! |
2026-26
Long-tailed Jaeger
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
31 May 2026 |
Acc |
Description and images support Long-tailed
Jaeger. The pale mantle and reportedly longer tail point to Long-tailed.
The possibility of a light adult Parasitic crossed my mind, but the mantle
of this bird is much lighter than the primaries and tail from what I can
see in the images. |
|
Max M. |
25 May 2026 |
Acc |
|
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show neat black cap and long tail and
support description and ID as LTJA. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 May 2026 |
Acc |
Nice adult in breeding plumage. I don't see the
super long streamers, AKA elongated R1, however these are often lost and
I've seen adults in the arctic that lacked them and some just have shorter
one. But the overall structure and short bill do support LTJA. One feature
that also clinches is no mentioned in the record is the lack of a dark
collar between the throat and breast which PAJA and POJA adults always
show |
|
Kris P. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Well-identified with details of structure,
plumage and behavior, and helpful photographs despite the distance from
the bird and the resulting low photo resolution. KC also eliminated
well-enough the other jaeger species, and the possible black-headed gull
and tern candidates.
What a remarkable occurrence. It's rare enough to see an adult jaeger
inland, but to see one inland in the month of May anywhere in the lower 48
states is an order of magnitude more rare. Ebird shows only about a dozen
inland May records of an adult Long-tailed in the contiguous United States
with this record being Utah's second.
I continue to be impressed by what KC is finding and identifying. |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Distinctive characters separating other Jaegers
were adequately covered. Even blurry photos helped! |
|
Mark S. |
26 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show adult Long-tailed Jaeger. |
|
David
W. |
27 May 2026 |
Acc |
Incredible spring record by KC (one of the
state's premier locator of rarities in recent years). |
|
Kevin
W. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photo (along with the description) eliminate
other possibilities. |
2026-27
Orchard Oriole
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
I asked the observer if he could add to the
record any profile images that might show the wingbar traits. He had no
such images to supplement the record. Based on what I've read in the
record and what I can see in the images, I think this is an Orchard
Oriole. The description of the vocalization and the notes about Merlin not
recognizing the vocalization caused me to give more consideration to
Orchard Oriole. The images seem to confirm a relatively short bill as well
as a mandible that lacks a black tip like a Hooded Oriole. Some online
images of Hooded seem to show that the amount of black on the tip of the
mandible can vary, with almost no black, so I'm not sure how solid this
trait is for differentiating the two species, but the tips of the outer
tail feathers appear to be long enough to give a squared tail appearance
if it were to have been seen in flight, matching Orchard. |
|
Max M. |
18 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and audio match Orchard Oriole. |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Good discussion of how HOOR was ruled out and
challenges differentiating between HOOR and OROR 1st year males. Photos
show silver mandible and the calls match up with several I listened to for
OROR on xeno-canto. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 May 2026 |
To 2nd |
I'd like to see discussion on this one. The
audio is inconclusive and doesn't match any recordings I can find of
wither HOOR or OROR? So we seem to be looking at structure, but the angles
seem to be distorting that. I'm just not sure HOOR has been completely
eliminated? But if others with more experience can enlighten me I'd like
to hear it. |
|
Kris P. |
21 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
This sighting looks thoroughly researched and
vetted before arriving at the Orchard Oriole ID. Mark's analysis
strengthens the record. The vantage of the photos is not great for clearly
showing the tail length as compared to the body size (all tails look long
to me at this angle), but the bill looks like the shorter Orchard's bill
and not a Hooded's. The audio spectogram in Patrick's May 20 eBird
checklist (not included in this record) is a good match for several "call"
spectrograms on Merlin, and not for Hooded or others. |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
No,ID |
Not totally convinced. Too many close to call
characters - bill length, bill degree curvature, normal range, lack of
supporting song. |
|
Mark S. |
28 May 2026 |
Acc |
I originally saw this record on the ABA's
Facebook site, and left an extensive comment (some of which is in this
write-up). The Orchard/Hooded, non-adult male, i.d. problem is a difficult
one, but one I get to see in all forms every day that I'm home for 5-6
months of the year - often among the first birds of my day if I'm still in
bed in the morning. They come to a feeder outside my bedroom window.
Call alone cinches this as Orchard. But every other field mark, bill
length, culmen curvature, mandible color, overall structure, tail length,
and tail graduation all support Orchard.
Checks every box for Orchard, and non for others.
I'm happy to share from my own extensive collection of photos and videos
if anyone would find it instructive. |
|
David
W. |
29 May 2026 |
Acc |
Good photos and writeup (complete with
appropriate name dropping) appear to cinch the ID. The small bib, slight
and fairly straight bill, thin body build, and the yellow tone (lacking
orange hues) all support this ID. Well done. Yet another bird I've never
seen in this state. |
|
Kevin
W. |
12 Jun 2026 |
No,ID |
I think the bird in the photos shows a longer
bill, bigger body, and longer tail than would be expected in an Orchard
Oriole. I believe it to be an immature Hooded Oriole. |
2026-30 White-rumped
Sandpiper
|
Evaluator |
Date |
Vote |
Comment |
|
Jeff C. |
5 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
While I can't confirm that nine birds were
White-rumped Sandpipers, I can see the long primaries, diagnostic white
rump, and markings along the sides on a handful of the birds in the
images. Although the pale/peach base of the mandible is indistinguishable
in the images and not mentioned in the field marks section, the other
field marks are sufficient to confirm the ID. |
|
Max M. |
18 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos and description match WRSA |
|
Keeli M. |
15 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show sandpiper with white rumps, long
wings, and streaking on flanks. |
|
Bryant
O. |
28 May 2026 |
Acc |
Photos leave no doubt |
|
Kris P. |
12 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Well-observed, identified and documented. A very
thorough record. |
|
Dennis S. |
7 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent report and supporting photos. |
|
Mark S. |
28 May 2026 |
Acc |
Excellent documentation. |
|
David
W. |
27 May 2026 |
Acc |
Nicely documented by photos and description.
Good find. |
|
Kevin
W. |
12 Jun 2026 |
Acc |
Photos show sandpipers with long wings, light
eyebrows, and white rumps- eliminating other possibilities. |
|