Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Neotropic Cormorant
Scientific name:	Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Date:	May 29, 2009 +
Time:	various
Length of time observed:	various
Number:	2
Age:	immatures
Sex:
Location:	Ivins Reservoir
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:	~ 3150 ft
Distance to bird:	~ 50 m
Optical equipment:	20 -60x scope
Weather:	various from clear and calm, to windy and stormy
Light Conditions:	various throughout summer
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	On May 29, I photographed two immature Neotropic Cormorants perched on the emergent dead trees towards the back of Ivins Reservoir. The cormorants lingered throughout the summer spending the majority of their time at Ivins Reservoir, but occasionally the same birds were observed at Gunlock State Park (presumably, as to the best of my knowledge NeCo were never observed at both areas simultaneously). Both birds were last observed together on September 7, 2009 and one lingered to at least October 9, 2009. Description: Relatively small cormorant; overall very dark with proportionately long neck and tail. Dark bodied from head to tip of tail, darkest on back and wings, palest on upper throat, and with mottled chocolate-brown breast. Turquoise eye, and long, thin bill ending in a down-curved hook. Orange facial skin below and behind eye only (did not extend into lores). Pointed rear border to facial skin with indistinct white feathering / border. Proportionately long tail most noticeable in flight, but distinctly longer than nearby perched Double-crested Cormorants. Black legs and feet. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	various
Habitat:	small reservoir
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Distinguished from Double-crested Cormorant by smaller size, porportionately long tail, dark feathered lores, and facial pattern.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	yes
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	rfirdell@redrock.net
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	12-16-09
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments:	Two Neotropic Cormorants were present off and on at Ivin's Reservior from May 29, 2009 through September 7, 2009. One or both would occasionally move to Gunlock State Park. One lingered at Ivins Reservoir and was last observed October 9, 2009. Description above copied from field notes.