Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2008-37


Common name:

Ruff

Scientific name: Philomachus pugnax
Date: 12/27/2008
Time: 3:00 PM
Length of time observed: Twenty minutes
Number: 2
Age: adult
Sex: female
Location: Antelope Island Causeway
County: Davis
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 50 yards
Optical equipment: Swarovski 10x binoculars
Weather: overcast
Light Conditions: low light
Description:        Size of bird: 11 inches
(Description:)       Basic Shape: plump body
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: blochy
(Description:)            Bill Type: straight & relatively short
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Sorry, but see attached photo. Better ones to come I am sure
Song or call & method of delivery: none
Behavior: feeding
Habitat: open shorline
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Lesser Yellowlegs. Similar in size and coloration, but the legs on the Ruff are orange. Again  see photo
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
This is the third Ruff I have seen
References consulted: Sibley Guide to birds
Description from: From memory
Observer: Jack Binch
Observer's address: 1564 Crest Circle - Sandy, Ut. - 84093
Observer's e-mail address: roostertael@aol.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:  
Date prepared: 12/28/08
Additional material: Photos
Additional Comments: bird originally seen on 12/27/08, but many more observed on the 28th.