Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2022-11
| Common name: |
Red-throated Loon |
| Scientific name: | Gavia stellata |
| Date: | 3/31/2022 |
| Time: | 10:30 |
| Length of time observed: | 20 min |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Rockport Reservoir |
| County: | Summit |
| Latilong: | 40° 47' 14.39" N -111° 24' 8.99" W |
| Elevation: | approx. 6000 ft. |
| Distance to bird: | approx. .4 mile |
| Optical equipment: | Swarovski 95 mm scope with 30-70x zoom |
| Weather: | clear |
| Light Conditions: | good |
| Description: Size of bird: | smaller than a Common Loon |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | long and thin (like a loon) |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | dark gray back, light gray head, white front |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | long, thin, pointed |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
small loon with dark gray back, light gray head, and white front -
appeared to be transitioning from winter to summer plumage - low profile
in the water, so easily distinguishable from the many Common Loons in
the area - thin bill that was usually pointed upward slightly (see photo) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | unknown |
| Behavior: | diving frequently and swimming long distances under water |
| Habitat: | reservoir |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
similar to Pacific Loon, which visits this location most years - appeared to be smaller than Pacific because it had a lower profile in the water - thinner bill that was usually pointed upward slightly - this bird was transitioning from winter to summer plumage, with white on throat and sides, but Pacific Loons should already be in full breeding plumage |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
have observed in Seattle, as well as a couple at Rockport in previous years |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Dave Hanscom |
| Observer's address: | 1451 Moray Court, Park City, UT 84060 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Nate Brown, Matt Pendleton, David Wheeler, etc. |
| Date prepared: | 4/2/2022 |
| Additional material: | Photo |
| Additional comments: |