Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2020-39


Common name:

Pomarine Jaeger

Scientific name: Stercorarius Pomarinus
Date: September 10, 2020
Time: 4:00 PM
Length of time observed: Less than 1 minute
Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex: unknown
Location: Antelope Island Causeway - approximately mile marker 5
County:  
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 75-100 yards at closest
Optical equipment: 12X50 EL Swarovski binoculars
Weather: Mostly clear with some light wind
Light Conditions: Bright afternoon
Description:        Size of bird: Large-appeared larger than than Ring-billed or California Gull
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Generally gull shaped, but significantly bulkier and more barrel-chested
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Dark back and wings. See below
(Description:)            Bill Type: Did not look closely at bill.
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Large, mostly dark brown, barrel-chested gull-like bird. Very distinctive, powerful wing beats. No gliding observed. Dark face and crown with distinct borders. Light, slightly creamy colored neck and throat, almost like a collar. (Frankly, the first thing its face called to my mind was an acorn woodpecker) Darkish chest with whitish mottled body. Very dark back and wings. Clearly saw fairly long, slightly trailing, spoon-shaped, rudder-like tail.
Song or call & method of delivery: N/A
Behavior: Flying slightly above eye level East to West. Very noticeable, very powerful wing beats.
Habitat: Mudflats and short grassy patches
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Gulls and other Jaegers are the only other similar species I am aware of. All similar species were eliminated because of unique head, face, neck marking, and particularly because of the spoon-shaped tail.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
None.
References consulted: Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America. Sibley's Birds West 2nd Edition.
Description from: Notes made later
Observer: Terry Reid
Observer's address: 2675 East Canyon Rd
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: None
Date prepared: 9/13/2020
Additional material:  
Additional comments: