Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2013-34
| Common name: |
Red-throated Loon |
| Scientific name: | Gavia stellata |
| Date: | April 25, 2013 |
| Time: | 10:15 am |
| Length of time observed: | 45 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult nonbreeding |
| Sex: | n/a |
| Location: | Lee Kay Ponds |
| County: | Salt Lake |
| Latilong: | n/a |
| Elevation: | n/a |
| Distance to bird: | 150 yards |
| Optical equipment: | scope |
| Weather: | warm |
| Light Conditions: | bright and clear |
| Description: Size of bird: | approx. 25 inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | long, narrow |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | back brownish, lower part white |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | thin bill, slightly upturned |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Sharply defined white on the face, and white spotting on the back. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | n/a |
| Behavior: | looking for food - diving |
| Habitat: | the pond |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
common loon - shape and color of the face - the back was not spotted - eye was not surrounded by brown - not a steep forehead |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Saw several of these species in Oregon at the coast in 1997 |
| References consulted: | National Geographic |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Ned Bixler |
| Observer's address: | 1156 N 2920 W Provo, UT 84601 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Doug Mead was with me |
| Date prepared: | 4/25/2013 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional_Comments: |