Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2020-16a
| Common name: |
Harlequin Duck |
| Scientific name: | Histrionicus histrionicus |
| Date: | 05/08/2020 |
| Time: | 5:30 pm |
| Length of time observed: | 15 minutes |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | M & F |
| Location: | Ponds N of Willard Bay SP |
| County: | Box Elder |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4135 |
| Distance to bird: | 105 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex Razor 27-60 HD Spotting Scope |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Light Conditions: | Bright |
| Description: Size of bird: | ~16 |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Bay Duck |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Dark |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Stubby for a Sea Duck |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Female mostly in sleeping posture, but white post ocular spot observed. Male
overall dark slate-blue with white crescent running from crown down between eye
and base of bill. White post ocular spot, vertical shoulder stripe, and across
secondaries. Large rusty side patch. Unmistakable bird. (see photo) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | N/A |
| Behavior: | Resting. |
| Habitat: | Rocky man-made shoreline of polishing pond. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Unmistakable ID. Nothing remotely close within range . |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have seen multiple individuals in Nome and have observed in Utah. |
| References consulted: | None. |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Hearell |
| Observer's address: | Pleasant View |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Hal and Kathleen Robbins were the birders that initially reported the birds. Also seen by K Purdy, T Abbott, and B Olsen to name a few. |
| Date prepared: | 5/13/20 |
| Additional material: | Photo |
| Additional comments: | Waited for others to make a report, but gave up and made my own. |