Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Ruff
Scientific name:	Calidris pugnax
Date:	September 9, 2020
Time:	7:35pm
Length of time observed:	25 min
Number:	Adult
Age:	Female
Sex:
Location:	Antelope Island Causeway (MM2-MM3)
County:	Davis
Latilong:	41.0834, -112.2050
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	100m
Optical equipment:	20x60 Swarovski Spotting Scope, 10x42 Nikon Monarch Binoculars. Photos were taken with Apple iPhone 6 through scope.
Weather:
Light Conditions:	First observed just after 7:30pm a few minutes before sunset. Light faded fast and we watched the bird until dark.
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Female observed for 20-30 minutes between mm 2 & 3 on the south side of the causeway. Longest distance greater than 250m and closest approx 100m. Important field marks noted: • Short bill; Noticeably shorter than yellowlegs (roughly a 2:3 ratio in direct comparison). • Conspicuous white feathering at the base of the bill. • Back (tertials, scaps, etc) appeared a darker shade of brown with a noticeably different “marbling” pattern compared directly with LEYE, although it was difficult to discern fine detail at 100+ m with strong winds and fading light. • Ruffled look to tertial and scapular feathers (see photos). • Larger than LEYE and smaller than AMAV (direct comparisons through scope). • Bright yellow/orange legs, appeared more saturated than LEYE. Our party walked closer to the shoreline and managed to see the bird in more detail - noted a “spectacled” look, or eye ring, and a scaly gray wash down the sides of the breast. (Photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	Feeding actively in shallow water with other waders (BNST, AMAV, LEYE). Noticeably different posture and feeding behavior than LEYE.
Habitat:	Expansive mud and shallow water.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Lesser Yellowlegs: Considerably larger and bulkier with much shorter bill in direct comparison with LEYE which it was loosely associating with. Mantle appeared a darker brown through the scope with an obvious difference in the patterning on the scapulars, mantle, etc. White “knob” at the base of the bill really stood out. Greater Yellowlegs: Shorter bill than expected for Greater Yellowlegs. Rounded back and darker brown/scaly tones above eliminate GRYE. None present for direct comparison
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I’ve seen two Ruff’s prior to this encounter both within the last 5 years during the month of September. This bird closely resembled the individual I found several years ago at Utah Lake State Park.
References consulted:	Guide to Birds, Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia
Description from:	Notes made later
Observer:	Kendall Watkins
Observer's address:	2622 W Dry Creek Drive, Riverton Utah ZIP: 84065
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Lauri Taylor, Bryant Olsen, Max Malmquist.
Date prepared:	September 10, 2020
Additional material:	[Photos]
Additional comments: