Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Black-headed Gull
Scientific name:	Chroicocephalus Ridibundus
Date:	8/10/24
Time:	7:30 am, I observed this bird as I drove by going to the campground. When I was leaving the Res, I stopped when I saw it again and got out to take photos. Photos taken close to 9:15 am.
Length of time observed:	observed: 10-15 minutes until a car load of swimmers arrived and scared the gulls away.
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:
Location:	Sand Hollow, beach between the ATV rental and the outhouses before the cement pad.
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	From the road to the water's edge and then closer when I walked down to the water's edge for photos.
Optical equipment:	Canon R5 camera
Weather:	85 degrees and sunny
Light Conditions:	Bright sunny morning with few clouds.
Description: Size of bird:	smaller than a juv gull
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	See photos
(Description:) Bill Type:	red
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	(See photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	none
Behavior:	Wasn't bothered by my coming close. Scared by car load of 5 swimmers coming towards it.
Habitat:	beach edge of reservoir
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	To be honest I thought it was a Bonaparte. I looked at Sibley and crossed off Franklin's because of the solid black tail. When I got home and looked at photos I saw it had more color.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	No experience with this gull
References consulted:	Paul Hicks via text, FB rare bird, Birders of Greater Zion text
Description from:	See photos
Observer:	Toni McQuivey Taylor and a visitor from North Carolina (Blake Cloninger) We both stopped to take photos of the gull at the same time. I stayed longer to get more photographs.
Observer's address:	440 East Center Street
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Blake Cloninger
Date prepared:	8/10/24
Additional material:	Photos attached and ebird checklist dated 8/10/24 Sand Hollow Reservoir & SP
Additional comments:	Paul Hicks via text, FB rare bird, Birders of Greater Zion text, and John Schijf. John and Paul texted me back with what it could be.