Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2009-16
| Common name: |
Upland Sandpiper |
| Scientific name: | Bartramia longicauda |
| Date: | Aug. 28, 2009 |
| Time: | Late afternoon |
| Length of time observed: | 30 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Antelope Island Causeway |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | Unknown |
| Elevation: | 4200 ft. |
| Distance to bird: | 40 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Several binoculars and scopes |
| Weather: | Clear, hot |
| Light Conditions: | Excellent |
| Description: Size of bird: | Larger and longer-legged than Killdeer |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Up-right sandpiper |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Brown/cream moddeled |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Short straight |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
I'm familiar with Upland Sandpipers from working on the northern Great Plains. The bird walked in a more verticle stance than most other shorebirds. It had a long tail, short straight bill with yellow base and black tip, small head, big eyes with alot of white around the eyes, and pale yellow legs. See photos. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Silent |
| Behavior: | Walking on mudflats and through pickleweed. |
| Habitat: | Saltflat |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
From Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs with the overall brown color, the shorter
less pointed bill, shorter legs, paler yellow on legs, and much white around the
eye. From Pectoral Sandpiper by larger size (12" vs 9"), longer legs, browner plumage, different eye pattern, breast pattern, and longer tail. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Much work on northern Great Plains - this bird seemed like an old friend. |
| References consulted: | None at first, then others in the party looked at Sibley' |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Keith Evans |
| Observer's address: | 4826 Kiwana Drive, South Ogden, UT 84403 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | bkevans4@comcast.net |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Steve Somerfeld, John Bellmon, and Jack Rensel. Many others were quick to confirm our sighting. |
| Date prepared: | Sept. 3, 2009 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: |