Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Western Gull
Scientific name:	Larus occidentalis
Date:	2/5/23
Time:	11:00
Length of time observed:	20 minutes
Number:	2
Age:	3rd year
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Farmington Bay WMA
County:	Davis
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	150ft
Optical equipment:	Vortex 10x50, Celestron 15x65
Weather:	Cloudy, calm
Light Conditions:	Good
Description: Size of bird:	Large gull
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Large gull with large beak
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	White head, chest, belly; dark wash around eye, dark black back, dark beak, pink legs and feet, white tail with dark outer feathers
(Description:) Bill Type:	Large and boxy, mostly dark
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Large gulls with equally large beaks and dark backs; beaks were large and boxy, also had pink legs and feet. One had faint mottling on head while the other had significant dark wash around the eye. One had a white tail while the other had dark outer tail feathers. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Standing on ice, feeding on carrion
Habitat:	Wetland
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Most other gulls eliminated due to size and dark back color. Pink legs eliminated Lesser Black-backed Gull. Black bill on one a bit confusing with 3rd year plumage.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Seen Western Gulls in California and Utah, most were adults or 1st-2nd years.
References consulted:	Several field guides and online photos
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ian M Batterman
Observer's address:	8538 S Harvard Park Dr
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	2/9/23
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Photos linked to ebird list https://ebird.org/checklist/S127686383