Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2011-42
| Common name: |
Red Phalarope |
| Scientific name: | Phalarope fulicarius |
| Date: | November 24, 29, 30, 2010 |
| Time: | various |
| Length of time observed: | various |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Sand Hollow State Park |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 19 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | ~ 25 - 200 m |
| Optical equipment: | 8 x 42 binoculars, 60x scope |
| Weather: | various |
| Light Conditions: | various |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
My Dad (John Fridell) and I first noticed the Red Phalarope off the south beach
of Sand Hollow on November 24. We followed it through the scope as it swam and
took short flights all the way across the reservoir to the northeast corner. We
moved over to the dam but were unable to relocate it. I next observed and
photographed the phalarope along the emergent gravel bar below the west dam on
November 29 and saw it again briefly on November 30 swimming near the emergent
sandstone island while trying to relocate the Purple Sandpiper. Description: Plump phalarope in basic plumage with a rather short and stout, black bill. White overall with unmarked gray back, darker gray tail and primaries, and dark gray / black patch extending through eye and diffused black patch on nape of neck. Eye and legs black. Prominent white wing-stripe visible in flight, underside of wing light with dark leading edge. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | |
| Habitat: | Reservoir and associated sandy / rocky beaches |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Red-necked Phalarope - similar in basic plumage, however more slightly built with thinner neck and longer thinner bill, and streaked gray back. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
yes |
| References consulted: | |
| Description from: | Notes taken at time of sighting |
| 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: | 09-25-2011 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: | Decription copied from field notes. Flight photos with Killdeer, Dunlin, and Least Sandpiper. |