Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2021-64


Common name:

Parasitic Jaeger

Scientific name: Stercorarius parasiticus
Date: 10/02/21
Time: 9:28am
Length of time observed: 5 seconds
Number: 1
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Location: Bountiful Pond, Bountiful Utah, United States
County: Davis
Latilong: 40.907000°, -111.920817°
Elevation: 4213 feet
Distance to bird: 25 meters
Optical equipment: Vortex 10X42
Weather: Sunny
Light Conditions: Bright
Description:        Size of bird: About the size of a California Gull
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Seabird shape, gull-like, slender
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Juvenile dark morph, brown with dark splotches
(Description:)            Bill Type: Similar to a gull s bill
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Immediately stood out amongst the other gulls at the pond because of its color. Face and bill shape and color indicated Jaeger. Aged by the splotches. Gray bill with black tip.
Song or call & method of delivery: None
Behavior: Flying
Habitat: Marshland, pond
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
California Gull and Ring-billed Gull were present but none had the rich brown color overall with the black-tipped gray bill.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I had recently visited Decker Lake in West Valley to see another Parasitic Jaeger and recognized this one to be the same species.
References consulted: Audubon bird guide (app), and a fellow birder who witnessed the bird with me.
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Brian Peck
Observer's address: 553 Wellington Dr. Kaysville, UT 84037
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Sharee Harrison
Date prepared: 11/01/21
Additional material:  
Additional comments: