Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Scientific name:	Calidris subruficollis
Date:	September 9, 2020
Time:	5:40 pm
Length of time observed:	1 hour+
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Antelope Island Causeway
County:	Davis
Latilong:	41.0859, -112.1982
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	150 m
Optical equipment:	20x60 Swarovski Spotting Scope
Weather:	Steady winds
Light Conditions:	Great lighting. Was able to view the bird as the sun was setting in beautiful golden light, which accentuated the buffy color dramatically.
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	First noticed the bird fly directly in front of me while driving east on the causeway between mile markers 2 and 3. Noted intense buffy-coloration on a medium-sized sandpiper with plain underwings. Relocated a half hour later on the north side of the causeway on expansive mudflats with little vegetation. Alone as it high-stepped around the flats picking for food. The bird was alone for the most part, but compared at one time to another peep. I was so focused on the BBSA, I disregarded the other bird completely, although from the photos it appears to be a Dunlin for size reference. • Very bold-buffy coloration, especially apparent in the golden-light just before sunset • Clean face • Large black eye • Thin, relatively short black bill • Long and bright (!) yellow legs • Fine black-patterning across wing-coverts, scaps, mantle and tertials. • Hint of a collar on the hind-neck wrapping to crown. • In flight, plain underwing with distinctive black crescent at bend. (Photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Silent
Behavior:	Foraging behavior quite similar to Pluvialis plovers. Distinctive high-step walk also noted. Have video of this behavior upon request.
Habitat:	Expansive Mudflats, little-to-no vegetation.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Pectoral and Baird’s Sandpipers can show buffy-coloration, but we were able to get close enough to see distinguishing field marks. Plain face with large black eye, buffy-colors all across the body through the face and back. Long yellow legs, posture, and distinctive high-step walk also eliminated similar species.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen this bird once before – Utah Lake State Park on September 1, 2016 in similar habitat.
References consulted:	None
Description from:	Memory
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: