Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2003-07


Common name:

Glaucous-winged Gull

Scientific name: Larus glaucescens
Date: 2/2/03
Time: 11:30 AM
Length of time observed: 20 minutes
Number: 1
Age: 2nd winter juvenile
Sex: ?
Location: Utah Lake State Park/Provo Boat Harbor
County: Utah
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4200 feet
Distance to bird: 20 feet
Optical equipment: Bushnell spotting scope 15x
Weather: Windy, snow blowing horizontally from the north
Light Conditions: direct sunlight blocked, but ample light for observation
Detailed description of bird: Large gull, pale overall, some mottling, pale primaries and tail feathers, mostly dark bill, dark eye, size of a Herring Gull   [see photos]
Song or call & method of delivery:  
Behavior:  
Habitat: Swimming and flying in and out of the harbor south and a little east of the north jettie.
Similar species and
how were they eliminated:
From the Herring Gull by absence of dark tail and primaries.
From the Gloucous Gull by darker bill
Previous experience with this & similar species: Observed the Gloucous-winged Gull at Olympic National Park, Washington in 1994 and again at Bellingham, Washington in 2000 and in 2002.
References consulted: National Geographic Birds of North America 4th Edition; Peterson Field Guide Western Birds; All the Birds of North America American Bird Conservancy
Description from: Notes taken at time of sighting and from memory
Observer: Michael Monson
Observer's address: 534 E 2320 No., Provo, Utah  84604
Observer's e-mail address:  
Other observers who independently identified
this bird:
Milton Moody (photographed bull on 2/4/03) and Dennis Shirley
Date prepared: 2-4-03  (General Public)
Additional material: Photos  Original Document
Additional comments: