Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Harlequin Duck
Scientific name:	Histrionicus histrionicus
Date:	November 2, 2010
Time:	10:45 AM
Length of time observed:	15 - 20 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	?
Sex:	Female or Juvenile
Location:	Virgin River, near La Verkin Creek confluence
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:	3300 ft.
Distance to bird:	30 - 40 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon SLR D300, 80-400 zoom
Weather:	clear
Light Conditions:	sunny
Description: Size of bird:	small duck- 15-18" (?)
(Description:) Basic Shape:	typical
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	small- dark
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Typical female, normal white spots on face, tail was normal, typical bill shape and color, legs and feet typical, lighter underside coloration was typical. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	N/A
Behavior:	typical feeding pattern in swift current of the river.
Habitat:	River, area of swift currents.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The white coloration on the face, along with its size, shape, tail, and body coloration,left no question that it was a Harlequin.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	None with Harlequin, but somewhat familiar with ducks that are common to Southern Utah.
References consulted:	Sibley, Audubon
Description from:	From memory
Observer:	Maurice DeMille
Observer's address:	260 N MAIN, LA VERKIN, UT 84745
Observer's e-mail address:	mauricecdemille@beyondbb.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	none
Date prepared:	Nov. 3, 2010
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments:	I have 50+ photos that I took over the 15-20 minute period that I observed the bird. I believe it knew I was observing it; it was not skiddish and displayed normal behavior. I will email 3 photos to Milton Moody. Let me know if you would like additional photos, along with desired file size and format (JPEG or RAW).