Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Red-throated Loon
Scientific name:	Gavia stellata
Date:	Nov 25 to Dec 4, 2008
Time:	various
Length of time observed:	~ 1-2 hours cumulative
Number:	1
Age:	immature
Sex:
Location:	Quail Creek State Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:	~ 925 m
Distance to bird:	50-200 m
Optical equipment:	20-60x scope, small digital camera
Weather:	various
Light Conditions:	various
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	While driving by Quail Creek on Nov 25, I noticed an immature Red-throated Loon near the inflow portion of the reservoir. I first thought it was the loon photographed at QCSP earlier in November (UBRC 2008-09), however, through the scope it was obvious it was a different individual with smudgy dark markings across the throat. I took a few low resolution digital photographs through the spotting scope to document the loon. Remained through at least December 4, 2008 (also observed 11/27, 11/29, 12/1). Description Small, delicate, and very pale loon, with no obvious chest bulge at water line. Thin, pale gray bill, held upward at slight angle. Eye dark, and obvious on face. Throat, neck and upper chest white, with slight dark/ reddish smudging across upper neck /throat. Dark gray cap, extending down rear of neck to dark gray back with pale speckling. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:
Habitat:
Similar species and how were they eliminated:
Previous experience with this & similar species:
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	451 North SR-318 Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	rfridell@redrock.net
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	12-16-09
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments: