Records Committee Utah Ornithological Society Web Site

Common name:	Magnificent Frigatebird
Scientific name:	Fregata magnificens
Date:	29 May 1999
Time:	3:20 - 3:45
Length of time observed:	15 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Immature
Sex:	?
Location:	Minersville Reservoir - at the dock
County:	Beaver
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	20 - 50 ft.
Optical equipment:
Weather:	Partly cloudy
Light Conditions:	Fantastic
Detailed description of bird:	After observing the bird perched across the lake from a hill on the west side, we attempted to find it on the east side by land, which proved impossible due to the thick foliage. We attempted to appropriate a boat -- as soon as we got on board, the bird glided over the trees and we jumped back on land. It was a large, long-winged-fork-tailed bird with a long, hooked bill. It had a white head, chest, and lower belly with dark brown wings. It glided for 15 minutes without flapping once. It was a wonderful treat ending hours of searching.
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Glided on long wings in swift wind
Habitat:	Large reservoir with thick grove of partially submerged cottonwoods.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Swallow-tailed Kite has short black bill, all-white below. Usually found over land, not water. Barn Swallow tends to flap wings more often, has a dark chestnut underside.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Have seen the above species (Swallow-tailed Kite) before.
References consulted:	Field Guide to the Birds of North America
Description from:	From memory
Observer:	Joshua Krietzer
Observer's address:	174 E. 300 N., Washington, UT 84780
Observer's e-mail address:
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Lew Wilkinson, Nathaniel Kreitzer
Date prepared:	29 May 1999
Additional material:	Drawing (photo, being developed) Original Document