Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2017-02


Common name:

Iceland Gull

Scientific name: Larus glaucoides (kumlieni)
Date: 12-24-2016
Time: 11:00am
Length of time observed: 20 minutes
Number: 1
Age: adult
Sex: ?
Location: Lee Kay Ponds
County: Salt Lake
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4250ft
Distance to bird: 100m
Optical equipment: Bushnell 20-48X spotting scope
Weather: Overcast, 30F
Light Conditions: Good
Description:        Size of bird: 24in
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Typical Gull
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: mostly white, gray back,yellow bill
(Description:)            Bill Type: Smallish gull bill
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
"Adult.Mostly white primaries with pale gray edging. Intermediate in size between a California and Herring Gull, mantle shade slightly paler than Herring Gull, smallish yellow bill with red spot, pink legs, eye color intermediate, not dark brown like a California, not bright yellow like a Herring, duskyish. Rounded head giving gentile expression"-from notes taken at time of sighting
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: none heard
Behavior: Loafing on Ice
Habitat: Frozen ponds near a landfill
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Thayer's are similar, but should have black, not gray, edging in primaries
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Yes, many
References consulted: memory
Description from: From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Bryant Olsen
Observer's address: 84102, SLC UT
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: none
Date prepared: 1-5-17
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S33182472