Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2012-48
| Common name: |
Lesser Black-backed Gull |
| Scientific name: | Larus fuscus |
| Date: | 17 Nov 2012 |
| Time: | 10:28 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 5 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Logan Landfill, Logan |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | 50 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon 20x spotting scope |
| Weather: | Mix of sun and clouds |
| Light Conditions: | |
| Description: Size of bird: | Medium-large gull |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Gull |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Darker adult gull |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Gull |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Medium-large gull, about the same size or slightly larger than California Gulls.
Darker back than adjacent California Gulls. Adult, with yellow bill, red gonys
spot, black primaries with white terminal spots. Yellow legs. Extensive
streaking on head and nape. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None |
| Behavior: | Perched on the edge of the landfill with other gulls. |
| Habitat: | Landfill. |
|
Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
California Gull eliminated by pale eye and significantly darker mantle color, in the same lighting conditions and same angle of bird to the the observers and the light. Yellow-footed Gull eliminated by extensive streaking in head and nape, relatively thinner, straight-sided bill. Great Black-backed Gull eliminated by smaller size, slightly paler mantle (but still dark), and yellow legs. Slaty-backed Gull, Vega Herring Gull, and Western Gull eliminated by yellow legs. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
This is the sixth Lesser Black-backed Gull I have seen in Utah. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide to Birds |
| Description from: | |
| Observer: | Ryan P. O'Donnell |
| Observer's address: | 1098 Crescent Dr., Logan, Utah |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other Observers: | Andy Kleinhesselink, Andrew Durso (again), Stephanie Cobbold, Craig Fosdick, Mike Hearell, and Taylor Abbott |
| Date prepared: | 17 Nov 2012 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: | Andy Kleinhesselink has better photos at this link: [see photos page] |