Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2015-38
| Common name: |
Black Scoter |
| Scientific name: | Melanitta americana |
| Date: | 11-07-2015 |
| Time: | around 3:00pm |
| Length of time observed: | 10 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | ? |
| Sex: | Not an adult male |
| Location: | East Canyon Reservoir |
| County: | Morgan |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 5,700ft |
| Distance to bird: | 200m |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon 10x50 Binoculars,Bushnell 15-45x Spotting Scope |
| Weather: | Sunny, breezy, 50F |
| Light Conditions: | Backlight was a challenge, but once I found the right angle to view the bird light was good. |
| Description: Size of bird: | medium sized duck |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | typical duck shaped |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | dark brown body, blackish crown and bill, with white cheeks |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | typical duck bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
What I first noticed was a duck loafing with Loons, which is unusual and the
behavior reported by the original group that found it. Once I got the scope on
it I could clearly make out the solid white cheek and blackish crown, with an
overall dark brown body. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none heard |
| Behavior: | loafing out in the middle of the reservoir with a large group of Common Loons, no other ducks present, although there was a Surf Scoter and some other ducks on the south end of the Res., but none in this group of birds |
| Habitat: | Large freshwater reservoir at moderate elevation |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Other scoters are larger, with longer bills and a different head shape, and female/immatures usually have 2 white spots on the side of the head, not one solid white cheek like this duck. Male Ruddy Ducks are also similar, but much smaller with a shorter body and a more convex forehead shape. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Yes, many |
| References consulted: | memory, I've seen enough of these that I didn't need to consult a reference. |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Bryant Olsen |
| Observer's address: | 688 East 700 South #105, SLC, UT 84102 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
First reported earlier in the day by Mike Hearell,Taylor Abbot and Billy
Fenimore, later Weston Smith and Dave Hanscome relocated it. |
| Date prepared: | 11-10-15 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: |