RECORD #: 27-B-06

IDAHO BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
RARE BIRD REPORT FORM

SPECIES:
Scarlet Tanager

REPORTER: Cliff Weisse 4125 Beaver Springs Rd. Island Park, ID 83429 280-558-7789 cliffandlisa@octobersetters.com

OTHER OBSERVERS:
Jay Carlisle

DATE REPORT PREPARED:
6/3/06

DATE SIGHTING OCCURRED:
6/3/06

LOCALITY OF OBSERVATION:
Camas NWR, northwest of Hamer, Jefferson County.

HABITAT:
Riparian

CONDITIONS:
Overcast with light wind. Distance about 30 yards. Binocs used are Nikon 10 x 42 Premier

DID YOU TAKE NOTES?:
No, not at all

DID YOU CONSULT FIELD GUIDE OR OTHER REFERENCES?:
Yes, later the same day

WHAT GUIDE(S) OR REFERENCE(S) DID YOU CONSULT?:
Sibley Guide to Birds

DESCRIPTION:
Wings blackish, the rest of the bird almost entirely bright red. Underparts showed scattered grayish yellow mixed in with the red. No wing bars present and no other markings visible.

BEHAVIOR:
Perched in Willow.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE BIRD, AND WHAT CLINCHED THE IDENTIFICATION FOR YOU?
The bird was already identified by Jay. For me this species is immediately recognizable.

HOW DID YOU ELIMINATE SIMILAR SPECIES, AND WHAT WERE THEY?
Western Tanager has yellow plumage, orange/red head and black wings with distinct wing bars. Summer Tanager does not have black wings.

EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SPECIES (AND SIMILAR SPECIES):
I've seen several Scarlet Tanagers in NJ and NY and hundreds of Western Tanagers annually in Idaho.

GENERAL BIRDING EXPERIENCE:13 years