Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2023-43
| Common name: |
White Ibis |
| Scientific name: | Eudocimus albus |
| Date: | 11 August 2023 [15 Aug 2023 on eBird checklist] |
| Time: | 2:00pm |
| Length of time observed: | 15-20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Juvenile |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Quichapa Lake, South end |
| County: | Iron |
| Latilong: | 37.609351, -113.199479 |
| Elevation: | 5453 ft |
| Distance to bird: | 75-100 yards |
| Optical equipment: | Vortex Viper 12x50 binoculars, Pentax PF-65 ED spotting scope with BST 1.25" eyepiece |
| Weather: | Partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms, approx 80 deg F |
| Light Conditions: | Indirect/suffused sunlight through cloud cover |
| Description: Size of bird: | Similar in size to the adjacent White-faced Ibis |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Ibis shape. Long legged, longish neck, long decurved bill |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Dark brown wings, white breast/belly/vent, grayish/streaked head, pinkish bill |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Long, decurved |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
I was searching the south end of Quichapa Lake specifically looking for
a possible White Ibis that was reported by Becky Bonebrake. I stopped
along a dirt road at the GPS coordinates noted above, and then stood up
on top of my pickup truck to get a better view out to the water where a
group of ibis feeding. With a group of ~12-15 White-faced Ibis was
another ibis with obvious white underparts. On closer inspection, this
bird had white belly, solid dark brown wings, light brown head, pinkish
decurved bill. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None |
| Behavior: | Feeding with small flock of White-faced Ibis, with basically identical behaviors as all the other ibis. The flock stayed in one area for about 15 min where I was able to observe and photograph them, then flew to another spot amongst the tamarisks at the SW end of the lake, where I could no longer see the White Ibis. |
| Habitat: | Freshwater inland lakeshore with abundant grasses and tamarisks, among arid foothills |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The bill and body size/structure could only be consistent with an ibis. No other bird could even be considered. Given the white underparts and pinkish bill, there really is no other close consideration other than juvenile White Ibis. I suspect this one wandered north from the Gulf of California. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have observed this species (adults, immatures, juveniles) at least 20-40 times in CA, LA, AL, FL, SC, GA, and NC. |
| References consulted: | Merlin & Sibley field guide apps |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Nathaniel Nye |
| Observer's address: | 3894 W 1225 N, Cedar City, UT 84721 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Becky Bonebrake, Kevin Wheeler |
| Date prepared: | 20 August 2023 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | Will email photos |