Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2017-49
| Common name: |
Ruff |
| Scientific name: | Calidris pugnax |
| Date: | 9-27-2017 |
| Time: | 12:00 |
| Length of time observed: | 10 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | adult |
| Sex: | male |
| Location: | Farmington Bay WFMA |
| County: | Davis |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4215 |
| Distance to bird: | 50m |
| Optical equipment: | Nikon 10x50 Binoculars,Vortex 20-60X spotting scope |
| Weather: | Sunny,clear,65F |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | 11 inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Large long legged shorebird |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Gray back,pale throat and belly |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Shortish,orange base |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Large shorebird with bright orange legs, orange bill base indicating adult male
in non-breeding plumage. Grayish back and pale throat and belly, very
distinctive. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None heard |
| Behavior: | Feeding in mudflats with Yellowlegs |
| Habitat: | Shallow freshwater pond and mudflats |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Mixed with Yellowlegs, notably larger, and orange not yellow legs. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Yes,saw a juvy here last year exact same location |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| 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: |
Matt Pendleton, Vivian Schneggenburger, Lauri Taylor and others |
| Date prepared: | 9-27-17 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39427932 |