Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2009-19


Common name:

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Scientific name: Larus Fuscus
Date: 24 October 2009
Time: 9:45 AM
Length of time observed: fifteen minutes
Number: one
Age: adult
Sex: ?
Location: Antelope Island Causeway
County: Davis
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 100 feet
Optical equipment: Swarovski 10x42 binoculars
Weather: high overcast
Light Conditions: good
Description:        Size of bird: medium large gull
(Description:)       Basic Shape: gull shape
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: adult - streaked head and neck - dark back
(Description:)            Bill Type: medium size - bright yellow with red spot on lower mandible
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
I first noticed the dark back and yellow legs before I looked through the binoculars. Then the red spot on the bill and the bright yellow of the bill, and the yellow iris. There was a California Gull just behind it and it appeared to be about the same size.

Please see the photos.
Song or call & method of delivery: none
Behavior: standing at shore line and feeding on dead grebe
Habitat: lake shore
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
The only other gull that has similar coloring is the Yellow-footed Gull, and it is much larger than this one
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I have seen several in Utah, but never in the open like this one.
References consulted: Sibley Guide to Birds - (big one)
Description from: From memory
Observer: Jack Binch
Observer's address: 1564 Crest Circle - Sandy, Utah - 84093
Observer's e-mail address: roostertael@aol.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird: none
Date prepared: 24 October 2009
Additional material: Photos
Additional_Comments: