Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-billed Loon
Scientific name:	Gavia adamsii
Date:	12/01/09 - 03/12/10
Time:	various
Length of time observed:	hour +
Number:	1
Age:	juvenile
Sex:
Location:	Quail Creek State Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:	~ 925 m
Distance to bird:	25-100 m
Optical equipment:	20-60 x, 80 mm scope
Weather:	various
Light Conditions:	various
Description: Size of bird:	large
(Description:) Basic Shape:	loon
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	brown and white
(Description:) Bill Type:	large long and thick
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Large loon, with large, stout, pale yellow bill (darker at base and more yellow towards tip). Bill with straight culmen and lower mandible upturned at midpoint. Often held head (and bill) slightly upward. Large squarish head with distinct peaks in front of eye and behind eye. Small reddish eye obvious on face. Overall coloration brownish and white; brown on crown extending down nape and rear and sides of neck, face, chin, throat, and front of neck white. Large white chest bulge. Back dark brownish black with distinct white scalloping. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	na
Behavior:	swimming, diving
Habitat:	open reservoir
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Common Loon - slightly smaller, with blue-gray bill, darker crown and nape, crown peaked only in front on eye, holds bill parallel to water,
Previous experience with this & similar species:	yes, one previous on Quail Creek SP, Feb-March 2000
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	rfridell@redrock.net
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	10-03-10
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments: