Rare Bird Report 2-B-02

Species reported: Summer Tanager

Reporter: Cliff Weisse, 4125 Beaver Springs Rd., Island Park, ID 83429, 208-558-7789

Other Observers (please print): Darren Clark, Rexburg ID, 356-0026 and Marty Collar, Pocatello, ID, 235-1505.

Date and time of record: 5/17/2002  / Date report prepared: 11/17/2002

Locality: Camas NWR Habitat: Russian Olives west of headquarters.

Conditions: Sunny with light wind. Observation lasted approximately 30 minutes. Nikon 10 x 25 Mountaineer binoculars. Range as close as thirty feet (approx.).

Description of bird: First spring male Summer Tanager. Belly and flanks yellow. Undertail coverts reddish-orange. Head reddish-orange. Wings greenish-brown with no wing bars visible. Bill long, thick and pale flesh/pink color.

Behavior of this bird: Foraging was mostly aerial sallying. Did not interact with other birds and did not sing.

List similar species and tell how you eliminated them: Western Tanager is eliminated by long bill, Orange undertail coverts and lack of wing bars. Scarlet Tanager is eliminated by long bill and greenish, not black, wings.

What is your experience with this or similar species?: Scarlet Tanager was common on several trips to NJ. I have extensive experience with Western Tanager over the past ten years. My experience with Summer Tanager is limited to three individuals.

Were photos obtained?: YES