Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2010-26
| Common name: |
Red-throated Loon |
| Scientific name: | Gavia stellata |
| Date: | 6-22-2010 |
| Time: | 9:00 am |
| Length of time observed: | 30 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | 1st year |
| Sex: | ? |
| Location: | Strawberry Reservoir, Chicken Creek West cove |
| County: | Wasatch |
| Latilong: | ? |
| Elevation: | 7,602 feet |
| Distance to bird: | 200 yards |
| Optical equipment: |
Zeiss 10x42 T*FL binoculars, Canon EOS 50D with a Canon zoom lens EF 100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 shot at 400mm zoom |
| Weather: | clear, sunny, low 70's |
| Light Conditions: | a little glare, but not bad |
| Description: Size of bird: | 25" (see comparison with White Pelican in photo) |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | elongated body with slightly elevated beak |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | grey body, lighter neck up to eye, darker above eye and top of head, grey bill, slight mottling on back |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | medium-sized, straight and pointy held at slight upward angle |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Swimming in water near ducks and White Pelican gave size reference. Color
different than ducks. Bill seemed too small for Common or Yellow-billed. Bird
seemed too light in color for Pacific or Artic. Plus bill held at slight upward
angle indicated Red-throated. Cruised through water without diving. Didn't
associated with other birds or make any detectable sounds. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none detected |
| Behavior: | Swam alone slowly near ducks and White Pelicans. Never approached closer than 20 feet from shore. |
| Habitat: | high elevation fresh water reservoir |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Please see field mark description above and photos. I also asked a local expert, Steve Gerow from Santa Cruz, California, to examine the photos. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
We see this species regularly along the California coast, where I often birdwatch. |
| References consulted: | The Sibley Guide to Birds, written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley, 2000 version, 6th printing. |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Jean M. Myers |
| Observer's address: | 4265 Redwood Retreat Road, Gilroy, CA 95020 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | birdermom@mac.com |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | none observed |
| Date prepared: | 6-28-2010 |
| Additional material: | 4 photos - 1 full frame for reference, 1 cropped with white pelican, 1 cropped closeup head straight, 1 cropped closeup head looking at me |
| Additional_Comments: | It is a pleasure birding in your beautiful state when visiting my daughter who is in school in Ogden, Utah. |