Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Yellow-billed Loon
Scientific name:	Gavia adamsii
Date:	10/14/2022
Time:	10:30
Length of time observed:	15 minutes
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:
Location:	Rockport Reservoir
County:	Summit
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	~1000 ft
Optical equipment:	Binocs and Camera
Weather:	Sunny
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:	30-35in
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Loon
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	Large, cream colored, upturned mandible
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	I originally discovered this bird on the morning of the 14th, when searching for the Pacific Loon and RNGR. I had doubts on the ID due to distance, heat distortion, and lighting angle, therefore I procrastinated the report. The bird was then called to my attention this morning when the king of Summit County himself, Dave Hanscom reported it yesterday afternoon, confirming the ID. With the identity of the lone straggler brought to light, I am now documenting the presence of this remarkably rare bird. Large loon, no others nearby to compare, but Dave s much more in-depth report confirmed the size difference. Warm brown overall, smudging on the neck and palish face present. White sides when preening and white underneath including the neck. Large bill, upturned mandible and cream colored when seen in proper lighting. When in shadows appeared dark, but light in full sunlight. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	Actively diving
Habitat:	Reservoir
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	See description above and later EBird reports
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Some experience with COLO, none with YBLO, once again, refer to Dave Hanscom
References consulted:
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ben Stradling
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	David Wheeler and of course Dave Hanscom
Date prepared:	10/19/2022
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: